CSF Match Preview: Mid-week Australia Cup action as Royals welcome Redbacks

The Essendon Royals’ journey in the Australia Cup continues this evening as Mick Ferrante’s men welcome Eltham Redbacks to Cross Keys Reserve.

In a rare contest between State League 1 North-West and South-East teams, the Redbacks will travel to Essendon this evening in what promises to be an interesting clash.

The Redbacks come into the game off the back of a big 2-0 win over Warragul United in the league last weekend, whilst the Royals triumphed 2-1 over Sydenham Park on Friday night.

Having played on Good Friday, the Royals will have had an extra 24 hours to recover.

The Redbacks’ win on Saturday was their first of the season.

Eltham has won one, drawn three and lost one of its opening five games this season.

To reach Round 5, the Redbacks defeated Peninsula Strikers 3-1 in Round 3 and Corio SC – who like the Royals are from State League 1 North-West – in Round 4, once again by a 3-1 margin.

The Royals, on the other hand, sit second in State League 1 North-West following the events of the weekend and have had to overcome two huge ties in the Australia Cup already.

In Round 3, they beat Caroline Springs George Cross 2-1, before beating NPL2 outfit Moreland Zebras 2-0.

With important league fixtures for both sides to follow this weekend and such a short turnaround ahead of tonight’s game, both sides may be considering several changes as they manage a hectic early-season fixture.

Kick-off is at 7.30 pm tonight at Cross Keys Reserve.