Melbourne Victory’s return to NPLW action was not to be a successful one, as Essendon Royals SC ran out 0-3 winners in Round 9.
The Girls in Blue, playing for the first time since late March, were unable to build on their emphatic win against Melbourne City last month at The Home of The Matildas on Sunday afternoon.
Victory conceded twice around the half-hour mark in Bundoora, conceding an own goal and then to opposition forward Bronte Peel just three minutes later.
With the hosts struggling to gain a foothold in the contest, Essendon added a third to their tally during the closing exchanges when striker Kelli McGroarty struck for the 11th time this season.
Match details are available by clicking here.
Speaking to MelbourneVictory.com.au, NPLW Head Coach, Santi Escudero, explained where his side fell short.
“After several weeks without a competitive fixture, we showed a lack of early intensity and fluency, and this, colliding with the high press and sharp transitions of Essendon, saw us punished.
“Unfortunately, we could not wrestle back enough control during the second half and must now focus our energies on being more competitive in future matches.”
