Luv-a-Duck Women’s Match Preview: Refreshed Royals Women Set To Stake Claim For Top Four
Boosted by some headline mid-season reinforcements, the Royals women are set to stake their claim for the top four as they host Box Hill United at Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday.
It’s a jam-packed day of football at the Keys! The festivities begin with the U20 Royals women at 10 am, followed by the U23 men at 12:45 pm. The NPLW action kicks off at 3 pm, followed by a pivotal VPL2 promotion bout at 6 pm, as our senior men host 4th-placed Springvale White Eagles.
The Royals have won four of their last five games, including a 2-0 victory over Brunswick Juventus last week. Airi Fujiwara opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 33rd minute, before Emma Langley smashed home a second ball from a corner in the 56th.
The game also marked the Royals debuts of Olivia Wood and Alana Cerne, the latter of whom entered the fray as a second-half substitute.
Striker Deven Jackson is set to debut against her former club this weekend, for whom she netted six goals in 13 appearances last season. The New Zealand international is coming off an impressive A-League Women’s season with the Newcastle Jets, and looks a classy addition to the Essendon attack.
Box Hill have also dipped into the transfer market, bringing back Melbourne City star Rhianna Pollicina, who provides a constant threat from range and dead-ball scenarios. Melbourne Victory players Laura Pickett and Sofia Sakalis have also signed, along with Central Coast Mariners goalkeeper Teresa Morrisey.
Pythagoras are eighth in the league, four points adrift of Essendon, but have come into form of late, beating Preston Lions away at BT Connor Reserve before the break, before drawing 1-1 with FC Bulleen Lions at home.
A late goal from substitute Sasha Coorey handed the Royals a share of the spoils in their last meeting with Box Hill, as the game finished 2-2 at Wembley Park.
With both sides recruiting strongly, it’s sure to be another thrilling encounter. Get down to Cross Keys and lend your support as our men’s and women’s programs join forces this Saturday!