“Even if it’s a 1-0, last-minute, and it’s Retsu…”
The halftime words of Redbacks head coach Alan ‘Nostradamus’ Mulcahy proved prophetic on Friday night.
Eltham’s promotion-chasing VPL2 men had visitors Pascoe Vale on the ropes, but couldn’t deliver the killer blow.
That was until super-sub Retsu Sugusawa popped up deep into stoppage time to fulfil his manager’s prophecy, and send Eltham North Reserve into delirium.
“I’m delighted for Retsu,” said a jubilant Josh Dennett after the match.
“He’s come in, and he’s just put his head down, and when he’s come on, he’s taken his chance.
“These boys just never give up, we go right to the 97th, 98th minute. You see everyone jumping on each other – that’s what it means to us.”
The win, coupled with Brunswick Juventus’ 0-0 draw with Boroondara, leaves the Redbacks on the brink of automatic promotion – a five-point gap with three games to play. If Eltham wins on Friday night and Juve drop points in a simultaneous kickoff at home to Altona City, the Redbacks will be in VPL1. If Brunswick wins, it tees up a Round 25 blockbuster as the two sides meet at The Web.
However, the Eltham boys are painfully aware that they’ve achieved nothing yet.
“Keep our feet on the ground… keep doing what we’re doing,” added Dennett.
“The boys are sticking together. Last big push now: three huge games.”
Friday’s opponents, however, will not be rolling over. Springvale White Eagles have conceded just 21 goals in 23 games – 10 fewer than any other side in the league this season. The defence marshalled by Afghanistan international Faisal Sakhizada and English centre-half Aaron Morris proved impenetrable in Round 11, as Springvale held out for a 0-0 draw at The Web.
Sakhizada is set to return against the Redbacks after serving a suspension for his fifth yellow card of the campaign.
Goals have been harder to come by for the White Eagles, but veterans Goran Zoric and Sammy Orritt lead the way with seven and six goals, respectively.
With promotion a possibility this Friday, we look forward to seeing the Redbacks faithful out in force at the Serbian Sports Centre in Keysborough. Let’s back our boys down the final stretch!
Kick-off: 8:30pm Seniors, U23s on Saturday at 11am
Date: Friday, 1st August 2025
Venue: Serbian Sports Centre