Central defender Scott Blackmore is enjoying his football more than ever following a lengthy, self-imposed break from the game.   Blackmore has been a key figure throughout Inglewood United’s pre-season campaign, the 29-year old playing the anchoring role to superb effect in Night Series outings with Floreat Athena, Cockburn City and Subiaco AFC.

Those appearances were Blackmore’s first since May last year when increased work commitments prompted him to temporarily put away his playing boots.   “It’s great to be back out there with the boys,” Blackmore said.   “I really missed not playing last season, it was the first time since I started playing as a child that I wasn’t involved or with a team on game days.”

It is a very different Inglewood that Blackmore comes back to.   The playing squad has been refreshed by an active close season recruitment drive and more recently Taki Nicolaidis was appointed head coach.   “Taki’s good with player management and we are all aware of what he expects of us every time we take the pitch,” Blackmore commented.

“As a squad, we have more quality and depth this year than in previous seasons and as we play more games together we’re seeing a greater cohesion and understanding on the pitch.   We’ve played some lovely football this year, especially against Floreat Athena, where we deserved to win, and Bayswater City.   We weren’t so good in the other games but still got a result.”

“All good teams have the ability to back-up big performances and also find a way of winning when they don’t play so well – that is a habit we are keen to develop.   Everyone at the club is hopeful for the season ahead, we feel we have a squad that is capable of being up there challenging for the league.”

Inglewood heads into the final round of Night Series qualifiers on top of Pool A, while opposing team Perth Glory languish in fifth spot and out of play-off contention.   But none of that will mean anything come kick-off on Sunday evening.   “Glory have had a bit of an up and down pre-season but we know they’ll be tough to beat,” said Blackmore.

“Everyone at Inglewood wants to play in finals and win silverware, no matter what competition.   This week there’s a play-off spot on the line for some extra motivation … it’s all there for the taking at the moment.   We can beat anyone on our day and we’re looking forward to pressing on toward the Night Series final and, after that, the home and away season.”