Nicholas James Lawyers Men’s Match Report: Last-Gasp Heartbreak at Mahoneys

If history suggested this fixture would refuse to behave, Friday night delivered again.

Essendon Royals fell 3–2 to Nunawading City FC at Mahoneys Reserve, conceding in the second minute of stoppage time after twice dragging themselves back into the contest.

Meetings between these sides rarely finish quietly. This one followed the script.

The Royals struck first. Adrian Zahra switched play to Jordan Adeyemi on the right, who controlled well and released James Tieri on the overlap. Tieri’s cross was sharp and Josh Markovski was perfectly placed to finish and give Essendon a 1–0 lead.

The momentum shifted late in the half. A short Nunawading throw sparked a quick move before Stuart Edgar went to ground inside the area under pressure from Zahra. The referee pointed to the spot and Edgar converted to level the scores at 1–1 heading into the break.

In the 71st minute, a rash challenge from Zac Kocankovski handed the hosts a second penalty. Edgar again made no mistake to put Nunawading ahead 2–1.

To their credit, the Royals responded. In the 89th minute, Takumi Niwa’s corner was flicked on by Anthony Trajkoski and Dean Clarke reacted quickest to turn home from close range. At 2–2, a point looked secured.

But this fixture had one final twist.

Deep into stoppage time, a high cross dropped awkwardly in the Royals’ area. Evan Markogiannakis punched clearance didn’t have the distance and substitute Carlos Abboud reacted brilliantly as he arrived in the box to produce a lifted his finish over the defence to seal a 3–2 win for the hosts.

There were positives in Essendon’s attacking patterns and resilience. But two penalties conceded and a decisive late moment proved costly.

Round 1 has delivered its lesson. The response now becomes the focus.