Inglewood United haven’t begun 2017 as Alex Dunn has hoped but the experienced shot-stopper is nonetheless content with how his team are travelling.   Inglewood heads into round four of the National Premier Leagues fresh from collecting their first win of the campaign, a 3-1 home defeat of Subiaco AFC.

That win, which followed successive draws with Bayswater City and Sorrento, jumped Inglewood to fifth on the ladder and just two points adrift of second spot.   Dunn, who has made 37 appearances since joining the club in late 2015, says his team have so far not gained the rewards that their performances have warranted.

“It’s not the start I was wanting, we could have taken maximum points in all three games,” Dunn said.   “However, when you give good teams a lead you are always going to be chasing the game and that makes it difficult to get back in.   We are unbeaten in three, and two of those teams will be in the top four so it’s still a good start.”

“We got the monkey off our back last weekend with our first win and that gives us an extra bit of confidence going forward.   Overall, we’re looking good.   It’s a large squad and everyone is competing for their place in the starting line-up.   With the new signings along with the current squad I feel we are in better shape than last year.”

Just how good a shape Inglewood is in will be put to the test when they head to ECU Joondalup on Saturday.   The northern suburbs outfit claimed maximum points at home and away last year, keeping their opponents scoreless on both occasions, only for Inglewood to turn the tables come the finals with a tense penalty shoot-out win.

“Joondalup are a very tough team, no game is an easy one against them,” commented Dunn ahead of Saturday’s game.   “They have some game winners amongst their squad and (coach) Dale McCulloch has got them very organised.   They are always physical and they have been playing some good football lately.”

“We have showed a lot of character this year, especially in the two draws when we came from behind each time to earn a share of the points.   That fighting spirit shows there are always goals in us and that gives us confidence as we know we will create some chances across the 90 minutes … we just have to make sure we put them away on the day.”

National Premier Leagues, Round 4

ECU Joondalup vs Inglewood United
Saturday 11 March @ ECU Joondalup Football Stadium

Kick-off times

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