Inglewood United will be out to end an eight-year drought when they welcome Floreat Athena to Intiga Stadium on Sunday afternoon.   The history books show the last time Inglewood claimed victory on home soil over Floreat was way back in August 2006 when Dean Apelgren scored the solitary goal in a 1-0 triumph.   Floreat have taken home maximum points four times from their seven subsequent trips to Inglewood, with honours shared in the remaining three games.

Defender Jason Colli featured in that 2006 win and says another Inglewood success over their inner-city nemesis is long overdue.   “I didn’t realise it has been that long since we beat them at home,” said the club’s longest-serving player.   “But the time is right for us to turn the tables on Floreat and put an end to their good record at our place.   It’s also important we get the win as it keeps our goal of making the top four in reach and applies that little bit more pressure on the teams above us.”

Inglewood started the season slowly but on the eve of the second half of the winter have risen to fifth, with Colli promising that upward trajectory to continue.   “We are definitely on the right track,” he said.   “Since the season began we have become more defensively solid as a team, and that allows our attacking weapons greater opportunities to create goals.   Our overall work-rate has lifted and everyone knows their role in the team, which helps us dictate our style of play.”

Perth Glory found out just how dominant an Inglewood side in full-flight can be on the weekend when first half finishes by Ryan Clarke, Teeboy Kamara and Ryan Francis paved the way of a 3-1 win.   “What was really evident on Saturday against Glory was the intensity from every player,” commented Colli.   “We moved the ball a lot quicker and closed Glory down so they were not allowed to assert their style of play … if we keep playing our football like we did on the weekend then I’m sure we will make the finals.”

While finals football is the ultimate goal, Colli’s immediate focus is on Sunday afternoon.   “Floreat are a team you can never take lightly, they have dangerous players all over the park and if you give them a chance – as we found out in the first game – you’ll get punished,” said Colli, recalling Floreat’s 3-0 win on the opening day of the season.   “I know it’s an old cliché, but we are taking it one game at a time.  If we play our style of football with the right intensity, I’m positive we can come away with three points.”

06.06.14