Women’s Match Preview: Finals berth within reach as Royals look to close in on top four spot against Bentleigh

Essendon Royals’ senior women will look to take a huge step towards sealing a place inside the top four of the NPLW Victoria standings, when they take on Bentleigh Greens at Cross Keys Reserve.

At the completion of the catch-up round, the Royals sit in third place on the ladder, six points ahead of fifth placed South Melbourne heading into the final three rounds of the season.

They were able to maintain their barrier on Hellas as a result of their dramatic 3-2 win over Brunswick Juventus before the break, as Audrey Oastler continued her brilliant season with a brace while Kendrah Smith added another.

Watch the highlights from our 3-2 win over Brunswick Juventus.

It means three points and anything short of a South Melbourne victory over Box Hill United would seal Essendon’s place in the finals on the first time of asking after their promotion at the end of last season.

A Royals victory and a South Melbourne win would still not be enough for Essendon, as the latter have a better goal difference.

However, Essendon can also go into second spot on the ladder – which would put them in pole position to secure a home Semi Final – if they better Preston’s result against league leaders FC Bulleen Lions on Monday night.

Essendon’s next test comes against a desperate Bentleigh side, who are battling to stave off relegation in the final three rounds of the season.

The Greens are in second-last on the ladder – only goal difference ahead of bottom placed Calder United – but are one point off Juventus, who are currently safe from the drop zone.

Bentleigh are without a win in their last five matches, but have claimed draws against both Calder and Alamein in the last few weeks. However, they fell to a 4-1 defeat against league leaders FC Bulleen Lions prior to the break.

Despite the difficult season, Olivia Bomford has had a brilliant year, scoring nine goals for the Greens.

Royals won the reverse fixture at Kingston Heath 1-0, thanks to a first Royals goal from Julia Sardo.

Watch the highlights from the last time we faced Bentleigh.

Kick-off is at 3 PM, with the Under 20s in action at 12:30 PM.

The Under 20s are currently in ninth on the ladder, two points clear of Bentleigh after 2-1 loss to Juventus before the break. Meanwhile, Bentleigh went down 1-0 against Bulleen.