By Kieran Yap 17/4/25 (kieran84@live.com.au)
Above: Essendon celebrate their winning goal against Bulleen.
The Essendon Royals defeated Bulleen Lions 1-0 in a cagey, but entertaining game in Round Fives of Victoria’s NPLW.
Over the 12 months, this fixture has fast become one to circle on the calendar and eagerly anticipate. Last season, they newly promoted Royals were the only side that Bulleen could not overcome on their way to a very convincing premiership, and although the lineups for both sides looked different to 2024, this was bound to be another intriguing contest.
The major caveat for this game was Bulleen’s injuries. They travelled across town without the services of attacking midfielder Hollie Massie and target striker Taylor Golden.
Bulleen were reliant on the trickery and pace of wingers Danella Butrus and Anais Josefski and the pair were inches away from delivering the opening goal. Butrus broke clear and hit a ball across the face of goal that somehow evaded both the net and the outstretched boot of Josefski.
Royals striker Airi Fujiwara was a menacing presence in the Essendon attack and replied with an effort of her own. She elected to shoot from the corner of the box, and might have been better off crossing to an unmarked Grace Paradis at the far post.
Avan Groba was next to threaten for the home side, and set up Sasha Coorey who crafted a promising opening, but Bulleen’s defence was able to scramble to ball clear. The Royals were creating the better opportunities up to half time, but Bulleen remained dangerous, particularly on the counter-attack or when Josefski backed her pace.
Butrus remained a threat for the visitors, the NPW March Player of the Month drew the best out of Zara Board in the Essendon goal. Her clever control and turn gave her just enough space for the shot. Board was wrong footed by the effort, but somehow reacted quickly enough to pull off a remarkable save.
The game was decided by a slightly scrappy goal. Fujiwara’s turn and half-volleyed effort forced Emily Shields into an athletic save, but Cobi Wilbert buried the rebound with a composed and difficult finish.
The game opened up following the goal, Ava Groba almost doubled the lead but her shot missed the target.
Bulleen did not make the same mistakes that led to a late loss to Preston two weekks ago, but could not find the equaliser despite the best efforts of Butrus and Josefski. Butrus ended the match in pain after being on the receiving end of a tough tackle one moment and then a ball to the body after getting in the way of a clearance.
This is Bulleen’s third consecutive loss, but there was a lot to like about the performance, and given the chances they created, it is hard to ignore the missing players in attack. \
Essendon’s win saw them rebound from a loss against The Preston Lions in Round Four, and the display today particularly in attack, will gives supporters and players confidence that they can reach the heights of 2024 again.
In other games, Anna Liacopoulos was the hero for Bentleigh Greens with a brace and a 94th minute equaliser. Erri Yamashita scored for Spring Hills FC, who also got one through an own goal.
Alamein and Heidelberg United played out a 1-1 draw. Emma Runnalls opened the scoring in the ninth minute before Sawa Matsuda equalised before half time.
FV Academy earned their first points of the season with a 2-2 draw at home to Box Hill. The Academy side were in a leading position thanks to an own goal and an Alice Francou strike until Isabella Flanigan pulled one back and Ameera Makunja levelled the scores in the 82nd minute.
Boroondara-Carey Eagles defeated Preston 2-0 in a reminder that this is a tough, and delightfully unpredictable competition. Speedster Priya Savarirayan and Emily Collier with the goals.
In the final match of the round, South Melbourne continued on their winning ways with a 3-1 defeat of Brunswick Juventus. Meisha Westland was the star once again with a stunning long range, second minute goal which was added to by Akeisha Sandhu and Nikki Furukowa. Alyssa Smith scored for the visitors.
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