Eltham Redbacks claimed a commanding 3-1 victory over North Geelong Warriors in the National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 at their home ground on Saturday, 11 July 2026. The result extended the Redbacks’ strong run of form and dealt a blow to the Warriors’ push for a top‑half finish.

Match Overview

Playing in front of a spirited home crowd, Eltham Redbacks dominated large stretches of the contest. Their attacking trio pressed high from the opening whistle, forcing North Geelong into several early errors. The Warriors, known for their compact defensive shape, struggled to cope with the Redbacks’ quick transitions and precise final‑third play.

First Half – Redbacks Take Control

The home side broke the deadlock in the 18th minute. A sweeping move down the left flank found striker Liam Patterson unmarked at the far post, and he slotted calmly past the Warriors’ goalkeeper. Eltham doubled their lead just before the half‑hour mark when midfielder Jake O’Brien curled a free‑kick over the wall and into the top corner from 22 yards out.

North Geelong rarely threatened in the opening 45 minutes, managing only one shot on target. The Redbacks’ back four, marshalled by captain Daniel Costa, kept the Warriors’ forward line isolated.

Second Half – Warriors Fight Back, Redbacks Seal It

North Geelong emerged with renewed energy after the interval and pulled a goal back in the 58th minute. A defensive mix‑up allowed Warriors striker Kyle Hadjigeorgiou to pounce on a loose ball inside the box and fire home from close range, giving the visitors hope.

But Eltham responded almost immediately. Just seven minutes later, substitute winger Samir Al‑Rashid latched onto a through‑ball, cut inside his marker, and drove a low shot into the far corner to restore the two‑goal cushion.

The Warriors pushed forward in the closing stages but could not breach the resolute Eltham defence again. The Redbacks comfortably saw out the final 20 minutes to secure all three points.

Key Performers

• Liam Patterson (Eltham Redbacks) – Opened the scoring and caused constant problems with his movement.
• Jake O’Brien (Eltham Redbacks) – Scored a brilliant free‑kick and controlled midfield.
• Samir Al‑Rashid (Eltham Redbacks) – Impact substitute who sealed the win with a well‑taken goal.
• Daniel Costa (Eltham Redbacks) – Solid defensive leadership kept North Geelong at bay.

League Context

The victory moved Eltham Redbacks into the top four of the National Premier Leagues Victoria 2 standings, strengthening their promotion push. North Geelong Warriors, meanwhile, remain in mid‑table but have now lost four of their last six matches, leaving them eight points adrift of the playoff spots with ten games remaining.

What’s Next

Eltham Redbacks travel to face Brunswick Juventus next Saturday, while North Geelong Warriors host Melbourne City Youth at home in a must‑win fixture to keep their slim finals hopes alive.