Defender Scott Blackmore believes strong competition for game time can drive Inglewood United on to greater levels of performance.   Andy Keogh’s team have collected an impressive 30 points from their last twelve league outings and head into Saturday’s blockbuster with inner city rivals Perth SC on top of the National Premier Leagues ladder.

But Blackmore insists Inglewood’s current league position is of little interest to the playing group, saying a keen desire to impress Keogh and consistently be part of his matchday line-up is what is motivating his team.   “We are unbeaten in twelve games but no one’s place in the team is guaranteed,” said Blackmore.

“Andy has shown he isn’t afraid to make a change if he isn’t happy or needs something else tactically.   That’s driven competition for places up, training has been sharp and players are improving.   That doesn’t allow any complacency to creep in and that’s the difference between having a strong starting team and a strong squad.”

“I’ve been part of strong teams before which have performed well but ended up falling just short when it really counts.   To win the league you need a strong squad that has depth and versatility.   Competition within the playing group at the moment is great – everyone wants to win everything, all the time!”

Blackmore and his teammates will have their mettle put to the test this weekend when they host Perth.   An intense rivalry has developed between the clubs over the past couple of years and the outcome of Saturday’s meeting may well have a bearing on who finished the season on top of the competition standings.

“Perth is always a massive game,” Blackmore commented.   “It’s tight at the top, there’s only a point between Perth, us and Sorrento.   A win for us will give open up a little bit of a gap on Perth, but a win for them puts them back above us on the ladder … it could be the difference at the end of the year.”

“For as long as I’ve been playing football Perth have been the benchmark.   We’re close neighbours and we like to play a similar brand of football so there’s a healthy rivalry there.   Games are always tight, fairly technical and not decided until the final whistle, all that stems from the respect that we have for eachother as a club.”

National Premier Leagues, Round 19

Inglewood United vs Perth SC
Saturday 1 July @ Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium

Kick-off times

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