ConnectOS Men’s Match Report: Royals Stung Late in Stead Park Slip-Up

Essendon Royals endured a heartbreaking evening at Stead Park, falling 2-1 to Geelong SC after a late winner from the hosts saw the Royals leave empty-handed despite a strong start.

The match began in ideal fashion for Essendon, with Graham Kelly continuing his rich vein of form, capitalising on early pressure to slot home and give the Royals a deserved lead.

The early goal set the tone for a dominant first half from the visitors, who controlled possession, pressed high, and created a string of promising chances to double their advantage.

However, much like in recent outings, Essendon’s profligacy in front of goal proved costly. Despite multiple opportunities to extend their lead, the Royals couldn’t find a second – and Geelong made them pay.

In a moment of madness just seconds after the restart, Geelong’s Rory McKeown caught Royals keeper Andre Russo off his line, lofting an audacious effort straight from kick-off over the stranded keeper and into the back of the net.

The equaliser shifted the momentum dramatically.

Buoyed by the leveller, Geelong began to impose themselves on the contest, and the Royals were forced into a more defensive posture.

While Essendon still looked threatening on the counter, Geelong had found their rhythm, and the match began to tilt in their favour.

The dagger came late in the contest when Papua New Guinea international Tommy Semmy pounced, finding space and burying the chance to give the home side the lead.

Essendon pushed for an equaliser in the dying minutes, but Geelong held firm to seal the points and condemn the Royals to their second consecutive defeat.

Despite the result, the performance in the first half provided a glimpse of the team’s potential when firing.

With the Royals now set to return to Cross Keys Reserve for their next home game, the focus shifts to converting strong passages of play into consistent 90-minute performances and results.

FULL-TIME: Geelong SC 2-1 Essendon Royals