Attacking midfielder Mark Pritchard is backing his team to come home with all the points from this weekend’s top-of-the-table contest with Sorrento. Inglewood United heads to the northern suburbs in pole position on the National Premier Leagues leader board, albeit with the Gulls in hot pursuit, just a single point behind.
With six games gone Sorrento remains as the competition’s only unbeaten team, however, Pritchard intends to end that record on Saturday and for Inglewood to increase the gap between themselves and the rest of the field. “Every year Sorrento have a strong team that works hard for one another and they are always tough to beat,” Pritchard said.
“Sorrento being unbeaten isn’t a huge surprise; they are on a good run of form at the moment. They’ll be difficult to beat at their home ground but we are full of confidence which should make for an exciting game. We will be backing ourselves to come away with three points and maintain our lead at the top.”
A former professional with Swansea City and a Wales youth international, Pritchard says he is enjoying life with Inglewood. The 30-year old has featured prominently in Taki Nicolaidis’ line-up since his move from Perth SC late last year, starting all six National Premier Leagues outings to date and providing a focal point coming through the middle of the park.
“I feel at home with the club, everyone has been great. The club as a whole has impressed me, from what Inglewood is about to what they want to achieve,” commented Pritchard, who feels Nicolaidis’ deserves an equal share of the credit for Inglewood’s superb start to the new season as the player group have.
“Taki has been brilliant in getting the team together and creating a ‘feel good’ atmosphere amongst the playing and coaching teams. He has spent hours analysing our opponents and creating game plans which makes it a lot easier for us to know our exact jobs come game day … as a team and a club we are reaping the rewards of that preparation.”
National Premier Leagues, Round 7
Sorrento vs Inglewood United
Saturday 30 April @ Percy Doyle Reserve
Kick-off times
First team 3.00pm
Under-20s 1.00pm
Under-18s 11.00 am
