Lifespan Osteopathy Match Report: Essendon Royals Share Spoils with Nunawading City in Hard-Fought Encounter
In Round 13 of the NPL3 season, the Essendon Royals played out a thrilling 2-2 draw with Nunawading City, a match that exhibited intense determination, grit, and a never-say-die attitude from the Royals.
The encounter saw an early breakthrough for the Royals, with Graham Kelly launching an audacious lob from just inside the Royals attacking half. Kelly’s knack for delivering from 30+ yards came to fruition, providing the Royals with an early lead in the 5th minute, a truly unforgettable goal that set the tone for the game.
However, Nunawading were not ready to sit back, as Alex Kubenko equalized in the 33rd minute. The well-executed play down the left flank created a crossing opportunity, with Kubenko found unmarked on the penalty spot to level the scores. Barely a minute later, Nunawading’s number 10, Ko Sawada, seized the ball, driving at a Royals defence that offered too much respect. Sawada capitalized on the space provided, taking a shot just outside the box to put Nunawading City ahead.
As the Royals chased the game in the second half, they created a number of opportunities that they may feel should have resulted in goals. However, it wasn’t until the 85th minute that Julian Napolitano, usually a forward but playing as a makeshift right full-back due to the late withdrawal of Jeremy Walker, managed to tap home after Kelly’s shot hit the post. The equalizer was a testament to the Royals’ fighting spirit, and it brought delight to the home supporters.
The Royals, who were undermanned and had players braving the pain to play through niggles, demonstrated great resilience throughout the game. The grit they showed, even when the odds were stacked against them, is a testament to their character and will.
This critical come-from-behind draw for the Royals, who dominated the second half, sees them on 12 points after 12 games, sitting in the 10th position in the league standings1. The Royals will certainly take heart from this performance and will be looking to build on it in their upcoming matches.