Women’s Match Report: Essendon Royals Dominate in 6-0 Rout Over Altona City in Nike FC Cup
Essendon Royals’ senior women turned the page on their recent league disappointment with a commanding 6-0 victory over Altona City in their Nike FC Cup tie, showcasing a dynamic and ruthless display of football at Cross Keys Reserve.
From the very start, the Royals asserted their dominance when Audrey Oastler found the net within the opening minute, setting the tone for the rest of the match. Oastler, the spearhead of the Royals’ attack, was unstoppable, sealing a hat-trick and adding a fourth for good measure, her poise and lethal finishing leaving the Altona defense in disarray.
The Royals’ first goal was a harbinger of the wave of attacks that would follow, with Ava Groba unleashing a powerful shot soon after, forcing a save from the former Royal, goalkeeper Evie Bowen. Despite Bowen’s efforts, including another notable save from a Marie Rampal shot, the Royals’ offensive machine could not be contained.
Oastler’s second and the Royals’ third goal of the day, a magnificent long-range strike from Danielle Marshall, came from a set-piece crafted by Groba, displaying the team’s strategic acumen and versatility in attack.
Substitute Filomena Delic, barely a minute after entering the fray, capitalized on a defensive error to widen the margin. This, combined with the strategic half-time substitutions that saw Groba and Reona Omiya make way for Presutti and Jurcic, highlighted the depth and adaptability of Vince Battiato’s squad.
The Royals continued to carve open the Altona defense with precision and intent. Oastler’s hat-trick goal further showcased her striking talent, while her fourth—a solo effort after breaking the offside trap and rounding the keeper—underscored her exceptional match performance.
Even with a six-goal lead, the Royals remained relentless. Delic narrowly missed adding to the tally with a header, another chance crafted by the unstoppable Oastler.
This resounding victory in the Nike FC Cup not only serves as a bounce-back from league challenges but also reignites memories of last year’s deep Cup run and the triumph over Casey Comets in the Community Cup Final. It’s a clear statement of intent from the Royals, whose sights are set on surpassing last year’s quarter-final finish.
The full-time whistle marked not just a win but a celebration of the team’s potential when firing on all cylinders. With such a performance, the Royals have set a high bar for their campaign in the Cup, and their next opponents will surely take note of the formidable force that is the Essendon Royals Senior Women’s team.