Motivation won’t be in short supply when Inglewood United travels to Cockburn City this weekend to begin the second half of the National Premier Leagues season. Saturday’s meeting at Dalmatinac Park will be the first time the sides have come face-to-face since Inglewood succumbed 5-1 to the Cockerels on the opening day of the campaign.

Defender Scott Witschge, who was part of the starting eleven that afternoon three months ago, says it’s time Inglewood make amends for their poorest 90 minutes of the season. “It was a tough loss that 5-1 game,” he said. “As a playing group, we know that we are better than that and are definitely looking to bounce back with a better performance and three points.”

“A lot has happened since we played last Cockburn,” Witschge added. “We are a lot closer as a team, we have figured each other out and there is a real buzz around training which comes from good results. All the new boys have gelled well with the likes of Jovo Pavlovic and Dave Micevski both in great form.”

Witschge, too, has been in fine touch this season. Some eye-catching displays on the left side of the park have been rewarded with a regular spot in Michael Garcia’s line-up. However, the 21-year old is now having to prove himself all over again following a spell on the sidelines with injury.

“I picked up an ankle injury five weeks ago and missed a couple of games,” he explained. “So coming back from injury I need to earn my spot again, and that’s what I’m working towards. But whether I’m in the eleven or start on the bench, when my name is called I give it 100%.”

“I’ve been satisfied with my production this year, but there is still a long way to go before I’ll be happy,” he added. “I’m always trying to improve my game and help my team mates get the best result from every game. It’ll be good to get back into it against Cockburn and keep our run of form going.”