There’s no time to relax for the Eltham Redbacks Women as they host Ringwood City this Friday evening at Eltham North Reserve. With relegation worries easing but not yet fully out of sight, the mission remains clear: maintain momentum and consolidate recent good work.
Last week’s 2-1 away win over Monash University was crucial, if a little less emphatic than recent victories. Nonetheless, the three points were priceless. It was the Redbacks’ fourth consecutive win, an impressive run highlighted by a stirring comeback against Calder United and comprehensive victories over Southern United and Geelong Galaxy.
Sitting fifth, two points behind Ringwood, the Redbacks have transformed their season dramatically over the last month. They now face a prime opportunity to leapfrog the visitors, who sit directly above them in fourth position.
Ringwood City enter Friday’s match on the back of a tough 4-1 home loss to the unstoppable Avondale FC, but their recent form has otherwise been impressive, including solid wins over Calder United and Bundoora United.
When the sides last met back in May, Ringwood emerged 3-1 winners in a closely contested game at Jubilee Park. Goals from Arefa Allahyari, Madina Ali, and a late clincher by Sofia Galletti secured the points for the home side after Georgia Peel had given Eltham a lifeline late on. With Peel no longer at the club, the Redbacks will rely on their in-form attackers, notably Chiharu Shimizu and mid-season arrival Paige Foa, both of whom have been instrumental in the side’s resurgence.
Ringwood, however, is no pushover. While somewhat inconsistent, they’ve remained a tricky proposition, particularly on the counter.
For coach Sam Coupland and his squad, Friday night represents a crucial fixture. Another positive result would almost certainly banish lingering relegation fears, allowing the Redbacks to focus firmly on finishing the season strongly.
With everything still to play for, we look forward to seeing the Eltham faithful out in numbers to cheer our women toward another vital victory.
Kick-off: 8:30 PM (Seniors), 6:30 PM (Reserves)
Date: Friday, 1 August 2025
Venue: Eltham North Reserve – Pitch 1