NJL Match Report: Royals rise with crucial win over Spring Hills

Essendon Royals picked up a crucial win at Spring Hills on Friday night, courtesy of a second-half strike from Jacinta Da Cruz.

Playing one of their closest promotion rivals, the Royals had a golden opportunity to put some daylight between themselves and Spring Hills in third place.

In a fiercely contested battle between two teams acutely aware of what was on the line, the Royals held their nerve and struck when the opportunity presented itself to go seven points clear of the Stallions ahead of a big game against league leaders Brunswick Juventus next week.

Senior Women’s coach Vince Battiato hammered home the message to his players that they were not deserving of the 3-1 loss his side suffered at Cross Keys Reserve against Spring Hills in Round Two.

However, he told them that to avoid a similar outcome they would need to concentrate and avoid any silly mistakes.

It was a message received and adhered to from an incredibly disciplined Royals side that did not give Spring Hills an inch.

A tense first half ended 0-0.

The goal came in the 73rd minute, when Da Cruz took full advantage of a Royals set-piece that was completely misjudged by the Spring Hills defence and goalkeeper.

The midfielder could hardly believe her luck as the ball sailed over everyone to find her unmarked at the far post with an open net to tap into.

The simplest of finishes, in a game that was anything but.

It could prove one of the most crucial goals of the season.

In the earlier kick-off the Reserves continued their 100 per cent record, courtesy of a 3-0 win that helps to cement their spot at the top of the table.