NPL Women Match Report: Box Hill United show heart as Royals edge it 2-1

Essendon Royals were the 2-1 victors at Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday afternoon, as the visiting Box Hill United showed grit.

The Royals came out firing with a barnstorming first half display, finding the back of the net early and displaying the momentum they carried in to the contest.

With two goals in the first half credited to Ava Groba and Reona Omiya, it could have easily fallen apart into a more substantial lead for the hosts, but Pythagoras rallied and held firm despite the adversity faced.

A top corner save from Natasha Stathopoulos was a prime example of being alert to danger and as a prequel to what was ahead, it was not going to be easy for the Royals.

A much better showing unfolded in the second half for Box Hill, as Maryam Anvari was one of the players to add spark from the bench.

With higher tempo and chance creation, Pythagoras made it count just before the hour mark when Asuka Doi took a quick throw in and found Aysha Du Plessis who immediately hit a volley which looped past Eloise De Ruiter in goal.

The Box Hill pressure was telling as the Royals were on the back foot, but unfortunately could not chalk up another goal to at least draw it level.

It remained as the 2-1 scoreline, with Pythagoras taking a mini-victory by winning the second half 1-0.

Match details:

Essendon Royals 2 (Groba 5′, Omiya 21′) – Box Hill United 1 (Du Plessis 57′)

Image credit: HD Creative