Veteran defender Adam Tong has stressed the importance of squad depth as Inglewood United head into a hectic schedule that will see them play twice in the space of 48 hours. Inglewood open the Easter long weekend on Saturday with a home league game against Perth Glory before facing Perth SC in the FFA Cup on Monday.
“It’s going to be a busy weekend and everyone is going to be called on to play their part,” Tong commented. “We’ve got a lot of experience and the young lads have been stepping up are showing what they have to offer. Everyone is training hard and fighting for a place in the team … we’re happy to give Taki (coach Taki Nicolaidis) those headaches.”
Tong is acutely aware Inglewood will need to be on top of their game if they’re to emerge from the weekend unscathed. “The young lads from Glory are a talented bunch and they will definitely be up for it,” said Tong of the Saturday’s opponent, who’ve slumped to towards the foot of the league after winning one of their last six games.
“We always have a tough time against Perth. They have some quality players and each time we’ve played them in the last twelve months it’s gone down to the wire, including last week when we beat them 2-1 with a late goal. This time it’s the FFA and the end prize being what it is gives us more reason to give it our best shot.”
“We’ve been doing a bit of extra running and fitness work of late and, as has been shown in the last few games, we have the energy to play twice in three days. With everyone in the squad fit and ready to go we have a good chance of getting the points on Saturday and progressing through to the next Cup round on Monday.”
National Premier Leagues, Round 9
Inglewood United vs Perth Glory
Saturday 15 April @ Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium (Hamer Parade, Inglewood)
Kick-off times
First team 3.00pm
Under-20s 1.00pm
Under-18s 11.00am
FFA Cup, Round 4
Perth SC vs Inglewood United
Monday 17 April @ Dorrien Gardens, West Perth
Kick-off time
First team 3.00pm
State Cup, Round 1
Gosnells City vs Inglewood United
Monday 17 April @ Walter Padbury Reserve, Thornlie
Kick-off times
Under-20s 12.45pm
Under-18s 10.30pm
