Sunbury came out of the blocks flying and scored the opening goal within seconds after Paul Shipp converted from close range from a Sean O'Callaghan cross. However, the euphoria was short-lived as Essendon drew the game level 10minutes later via the boot of Pasquale Devuono.

Sunbury regained control and was rewarded for its offensive approach when Zoran Romanovski made it 2-1 at the 30-minute mark, after connecting to a Vincenzo Ierardo cut-back.

Ierardo turned goalscorer five minutes later when his direct free kick curled into the net from outside the box to make it 3-1 for the home side at half-time.

Essendon reduced the deficit in the second half but Sunbury secured victory 10 minutes from full-time after new signing Gokhan Karahan converted from close range.

Sunbury Talisman Ierardo was delighted with his side's performance and said it was on track to achieve promotion.

"I'm over the moon that we're still on top. This was an important victory," Ierardo said.

"We need to win our next few games so we can break away from the teams below us."

Ierardo was impressed by the performance of new recruit Romanovski and said he was enjoying playing alongside the experienced striker.

"Zoran has played four games with us and scored five goals already," he said.

"He sits up front and acts as our target man and he's a fantastic finisher inside the box."

Sunbury travels to Lalor on Saturday and Ierardo expects nothing more than a close battle.