Melbourne Victory suffered defeat away to Premiership-chasing Essendon Royals SC in Round 22 of the Senol NPL Victoria Women.
The away team only trailed by one at the interval, but were overpowered by a Royals side sitting second on the ladder during the second 45, conceding a further five times at Cross Keys Reserve on Saturday afternoon.
Akeisha Sandhu’s deflected free kick opened the scoring midway through the first half before further goals flowed following the restart.
A short backpass was capitalised on by Margaret Jenkins to double the lead, four minutes later Kelli McGroarty netted a far-post header, and Sandhu got her second with a dipping long-range strike.
Paige Kingston-Hogg added her name to the scoresheet in the 80th minute, and McGroarty rounded off the scoring late on, completing her brace with a close-range finish.
Match details are available by clicking here.
Speaking to MelbourneVictory.com.au, A-League Women’s Head Coach, Jeff Hopkins, explained where the match got away.
“A strong first hour from the girls was overshadowed by a breakdown in focus and concentration against a very strong and ruthless Essendon side.
“Now is the time to show strength of character and commitment and to bounce back with a strong winning performance against [Melbourne] City next weekend.”
