NJL Match Report: Essendon Royals score five in crucial Clifton Hill win

The Essendon Royals bounced back from disappointment in the best possible way on Sunday, putting five past FC Clifton Hill in a 5-0 win.

Mary Hubeek finished the game as a hat-trick hero, with the other goals coming from Marie Rampal and Angie Rassias.

Vince Battiato was keen to see his team put on a convincing display after the loss suffered last week and his ladies did not disappoint him, bouncing back in style to sure up second place in Women’s State League 1 North-West and keep promotion firmly on the agenda.

The win was made even more vital by Spring Hills’ comprehensive 7-0 win over La Trobe University on Friday night.

The game got off to a good start with Hubeek scoring her first of the game after 14 minutes, courtesy of an assist from Rachel Alonso.

With the lead secured, the Royals assumed control of the game, but they would have to wait until the second half for more goals.

After the break, it only took eight minutes for the Royals to double their lead, this time courtesy of Rampal who was supplied by Lydia Schifferegger.

Hubeek scored her second on the hour mark, capping off a wonderful move started by Alonso, who produced a stunning ball out wide to Rampal, who delivered the telling cross.

Hubeek completed her hat-trick in the 74th minute with another assist from Alonso.

The rout was completed in the 77th minute, with Rassias scoring after a second assist of the day from Schifferegger.

In the earlier kick-off, the Royals took full control of the title race, defeating Clifton Hill 2-0.

Lola Ferrate and Ivana Ovcaric scored the goals for the Royals in a game that puts them six points clear of Clifton Hill at the top of the table.