Melbourne City suffered a tough afternoon in the NPLW, going down 5-1 to Essendon Royals despite a spirited effort at home.
Looking to bounce back from last week’s defeat to Alamein, City were tested early by a strong Royals side and were unable to recover after conceding in the opening stages.
Team News
Head Coach Jorge Gero named an unchanged starting XI following last week’s fixture.
Starting XI: 1. Dali GORR BURCHMORE (GK), 4. Liliana LAMAJ, 6. Keira SARRIS, 8. Chelsea BIGGS, 9. Kaya JUGOVIC, 10. Izabella RAKO, 12. Mary BROWN, 13. Maia CAPITANIO, 19. Jami MARANDOLA, 21. Ella DUHAU, 24. Cornelia LOS.
Substitutes: 11. Anastasia KRIACOU (GK), 14. Ellie KIRKBY, 16. Gia KAPSIMALLIS, 18. Ella HAMILTON, 28. Teah KOTSANDIS, 32. Eva CHOPIN.
What happened?
Essendon made a fast start and applied immediate pressure from kick-off, finding an early breakthrough in just the third minute following a defensive lapse.
City looked to respond quickly, with Izabella Rako going close soon after, forcing a corner, but the opportunity ultimately came to nothing. The Royals continued to threaten, though Gorr Burchmore was called into action early with a strong save to keep the deficit at one.
As the weather began to turn, with rain and wind setting in around the 12-minute mark, the contest became a physical and tightly fought battle, with both sides forced to keep the ball on the ground.
Essendon doubled their lead in the 30th minute with a well-worked move, switching play before finishing clinically to make it 2-0. Shortly after, City were again forced to defend, with Gorr Burchmore producing another important save to deny a dangerous free-kick opportunity.
City found a way back into the contest in the 35th minute. A powerful throw-in from Ella Duhau sparked an attacking move down the left, with Kaya Jugovic delivering a dangerous ball into the box for Mary Brown, who finished well to put City on the scoresheet.
The goal gave City a lift heading into the break, with momentum beginning to shift as the team showed greater attacking intent. However, despite pushing forward, City went into half time trailing 2-1.
City started the second half with renewed energy and nearly found an early equaliser, creating a one-on-one opportunity that rattled the post in what proved a key moment in the contest.
Essendon responded strongly and restored their two-goal advantage in the 51st minute following a cross into the box. The visitors continued to press, and just over 10 minutes later were awarded a penalty after a challenge inside the area, converting from the spot to extend their lead.
City continued to push forward in search of a way back into the game, showing intent in possession but unable to find the final touch in attacking areas. Essendon capitalised late, adding a fifth goal in the 77th minute to put the result beyond doubt.
Despite continuing to fight until the final whistle, City were unable to close the gap, with the Royals ultimately securing a 5-1 win.
What’s next?
City will look to bounce back next week when we return home to face Bentleigh Greens on Saturday 18 April.
