A determined Essendon Royals side overcame a spirited Beaumaris SC to claim a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Cross Keys Reserve. The Royals’ lone goal came from Graham Kelly in the 21st minute after his initial penalty kick was saved, only for him to slot home the rebound.
The Royals were reduced to 10 men just before halftime when William Abbott was shown a straight red card for a late sliding challenge. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Essendon managed to hold on for the win, showcasing their resilience and determination.
Dean Clarke put in a tireless performance as the lone striker for the Royals, working relentlessly throughout the match. He was unlucky not to score himself, hitting the post in the 25th minute after some excellent individual play.
Vince Lia was another standout for Essendon, demonstrating a masterclass in midfield and defensive duties. His experience and composure proved crucial in maintaining the Royals’ lead, as he cleaned up everything at the back in the second half.
The match saw Essendon hit the post on three separate occasions, with Kelly, Clarke, and Napolitano all coming agonizingly close to extending the lead. Goalkeeper A. Russo also played a crucial role, making an incredible reaction save in the 32nd minute to deny Beaumaris from leveling the score.
In the second half, despite being a man down, Essendon continued to create chances and maintain their defensive solidity. They managed to prevent Beaumaris from capitalizing on their opportunities and held on for a well-deserved victory.
The final whistle confirmed the 1-0 win for Essendon Royals, a testament to their character and determination in the face of adversity. The victory marks a significant step forward for the Royals as they continue their push for success this season.
In the earlier kick-off, the Under-21s got back to winning ways in emphatic fashion, dispatching Beaumaris 5-0.
16-year-old Julian Guzzardi made an immediate impact on his debut, scoring twice and assisting another to help the Royals to a rampant win.
The other three goals came from Marcus Kotronis, Arjin Bagdas and Fayaz Sawiz.