Lifespan Osteopathy Men’s Report: Slick Victory Take Chances Against Royals
In a challenging encounter at Cross Keys Reserve, Essendon Royals fell to a 1-4 defeat against a ruthless Melbourne Victory side. The young Victory team displayed their goal-scoring prowess, netting four goals in two five-minute periods in either half.
Despite creating some good chances, the Royals could only capitalise on one opportunity.
After a busy schedule over the last seven days, Coach Mick Ferrante once again afforded opportunities to Royals juniors Julian Napolitano, James Grasset and Daniel Taubitz.
Vince Lia came into the heart of defence to take on his former A-League club, where he was partnered by Club Captain Matteo Ballan.
There was also a spot on the bench for new signing Dean Clarke. Clarke arrived from Ireland mid-week, having signed for the club prior to the end of the transfer window.
The match began with a relatively quiet opening, with no significant chances for either side in the first 20 minutes. However, Victory’sAdem Duratovic did the damage in a crucial 120-minute period. Hebroke the deadlock in the 24th minute, racing through on goal and slotting home. Just two minutes later, Duratovic struck again, doubling Victory’s lead.
The Royals attempted to respond, with Ryan McEvoy testing the Victory keeper Ahmed Taleb – who has featured on A-League teamsheets this year – with a powerful free-kick in the 32nd minute, followed by Mario Piraino rattling the crossbar shortly after. Royals’ Usui also had a great chance in the 43rd minute but couldn’t find the target.
Essendon’s failure to take one of these chances meant the second half was always going to be an uphill battle.
The second half saw Victory awarded a penalty in the 49th minute following a small error by Royals’ Taubitz. Jordi Valadon stepped up and converted the spot-kick, making it 3-0. Just three minutes later, Tomasso Minutli extended Victory’s lead to 4-0 with a simple finish at the far post.
In the 62nd minute, Royals’ Usui managed to pull one back after some outstanding work from new signing Clarke off the bench, making it 1-4. The Royals continued to push for more goals, with Kelly and Piraino coming close but ultimately failing to convert their chances.
The final whistle blew with the score at Essendon Royals 1, Melbourne Victory 4. The result leaves the Royals with a record of 0 wins, 1 draw, and 3 losses from their first four games. Despite the scoreline not fully reflecting the Royals’ performance, it was undoubtedly a tough day at Cross Keys.
The under-21s went down 5-1 in the earlier kick-off, losing their undefeated status in the process.
The Royals now go back to the planning board to prepare for a crucial game away to Goulburn Valley Suns in Shepparton next Saturday night.