By Kieran Yap 27/5/24
Essendon Royals 2-1 Preston Lions
Tyla-Jay Vlajnic’s spectacular goal separated the sides as The Essendon Royals and The Preston Lions played out an attacking 2-1 game at Cross Keys Reserve.
Few sides have recruited like Essendon has this season. For their return to the NPLW Victoria, the Royals signed Ava Groba, Julia Sardo and Raquel Derales from Calder United, former Adelaide United and Heidelberg midfielder Reona Omiya and Emily Sutliffe from Boroondara Eagles. Their most recent addition was Vlajnic. The Serbian internation has joined Essendon following her season in the A-League Women with Western United and made her home debut against Preston United.
The Lions arrived needing to bounce back after the loss the Bulleen last round, that game and midweek results meant that Preston had relinquished top spot on the ladder, and they looked ready to respond in the early stages with Susan Phonsongkham proving menacing threat in attack.
The Royals momentarily thought they had earned a penalty with a foul at the edge of the box, but it was adjudged to be a free kick 18 yards from goal. Ava Groba’s effort flew over the bar.
Vlajnic had the chance to show what she can bring to this side with a set piece soon after. She whipped in a free kick from the left and Sardo almost scored with a spectacular effort. She leapt, contorted her body and somehow flicked the ball over the defence and on target, but Charlotte Hrehoresin was able to hold onto the ball on the line.
Essendon took the lead before half time. Emma Robers met Groba’s corner at the far post. She was unmarked but still had work to do. The Western United midfielder nodded the ball across goal and looped over the defenders to nestle into the back of the net.
The Royals doubled the lead on the hour mark. It was the result of another corner, but once again required excellent individual skill. Groba’s delivery was cleared to the edge of the box, but Vlajnic was poised to strike and hit a right footed volley through the crowded penalty area and into the net to make it 2-0.
Despite the scoreline, the game still felt in the balance, and Preston pulled one back in the 73rd minute. Ellie Lamonte recovered the ball on wide of goal and rocketed an unstoppable low drive into the net.
The difference I the two teams in the end was depth. Essendon brought on Derales and Sutcliffe as the game wore down, and the two experienced campaigners strength the home side, the pace of Groba in attack meant that safety-first clearances turned into chances on goal and with Preston pushing for an equaliser, the match felt like it had one more goal in it.
That never arrived, and the home side held on for a 2-1 win. Essendon now sits in third place, but only one point behind Preston and with a game in hand. Next up they travel to play Alamein FC, while The Lions will need to be at their best to beat an improving Heidelberg United in Round 11.
Follow Impetus on social media –
Twitter (X): @impetusfootball TikTok: @impetusfootball Facebook: @impetuswomensfootball
Instagram: @impetusfootball
impetusfootball.org 