His team may be top of the league but defender Adam Tong is keeping everything in perspective as Inglewood United prepares to face a luckless Cockburn City.   The Cockerels have done it tough so far this year, taking maximum points on only three occasions from fifteen National Premier Leagues outings to be slumped fourth from bottom.

However, Tong says this weekend’s opposition are not to be taken lightly, pointing to FFA Cup run which has taken them all the way through to a final showdown with Floreat Athena as evidence.   “This week we will carry on as normal knowing that we can’t underestimate any team,” Tong commented.    “In this league, every team on their day can turn anyone over.”

“Cockburn have qualified for the final of the FFA Cup – they beat Stirling Lions and Bayswater City to get there – and that has brought them a lot of attention both locally and nationally.   Every Cockburn player is going to be playing for their spot and as a result this week’s game will be more difficult for us than last week.”

Inglewood moved three points clear on the competition standings with Saturday’s 2-1 home triumph over three-time league champions Bayswater.      “Getting the win over Bayswater was great for us, it was a big result for the club and gives us a nice lead,” Tong commented.   “But I’m not getting too excited just yet.”

“We still have seven games to go and every one of those is going to be tough with teams fighting for points either to stay up or to challenge for the league and top four.   As the season gets closer to the end every player in the squad is going to play a vital part in the challenge for the silverware that Inglewood deserves.”

National Premier Leagues, Round 16

Cockburn City vs Inglewood United
Saturday 9 July @ Dalmatinac Park

Kick-off times

First team 3.00pm
Under-20s 1.00pm
Under-18s 11.00am