Calder United opened its account under new coach Kogulan Sabaratnam in the National Premier League Women’s competition on Saturday.
After a first up loss, it was a slow start for the new looking Calder side against the Essendon Royals in perfect conditions at Keilor Park Recreation Reserve.
The Royals took the lead just before half time after taking the ball from end to end after a Calder corner.
Calder used the break to regroup and it took just minutes before the side levelled the scores through Akane Shimizu at 1-1.
Ten minutes later Calder took the lead for the first time through Larissa Walsh before an own goal in the 63rd minute doubled the lead.
The Royals got one back not long after to keep the game alive.
Calder snuffed out the Royals chances in the 74th minute through substitute Jennifer Lum to increase the lead to 4-2.
That would be the final margin.
Calder this week hosts Brunswick Juventus on Saturday afternoon in round three.
Meanwhile, the FV league men’s state league season got underway on the weekend.
In state league 1 north-west, Brimbank Stallions started their season with a 2-1 win against Strathmore, while Sydenham Park started with a 2-0 win against Clifton with Dylan Murnane & Evan Christodoulou scoring for the Reds.
Western Suburbs, who were promoted in the off season, started with a 3-3 draw against Whittlesea United, while Westgate started its season with a 2-1 win against Geelong.
In state league 2 north-west Westvale Olympic beat Albion Rovers, 4-3.
Keilor Park beat Lalor United 1-0 to start life in state league 2 after being relegated in the off season.
