Imposing centre-back Adam Tong has revealed Inglewood United’s players are relishing the challenge of facing their fellow title contenders in the opening rounds of the 2017 National Premier Leagues. Inglewood hosts northern giants Sorrento in the second round of the season this Sunday, just days after drawing 2-2 with Bayswater City.
Tong, 34, insists there is no way he would rather start the new season than by taking on the competitions big guns in the early rounds. “It’s a hard start for us with Bayswater and Sorrento but the lads relish games against tough, physical sides,” Tong said. “We’ve been waiting all summer to get stuck back into it, so why not bring on the hard games straight away.”
“We know exactly what Sorrento are going to bring this weekend so our preparation needs to be right and we will need everyone on the pace and matching them for physical strength. If we can keep a clean sheet we’ll give ourselves a good chance of winning as our strike force is without a doubt the best in the league … another good performance by the lads and we’ll start climbing that ladder.”
One player who will be vital in keeping Sorrento scoreless is Alex Ishida-Livings, recipient of the Club 2016 Rising Star award. The talented young defender honoured his first senior start for Inglewood by displaying a maturity well beyond his 19 years against Bayswater. For Tong, Ishida-Livings is the future of Inglewood.
“Full credit to Alex on his first team debut against one of the top teams in the league, and against two players – BorBor Sam Bindi and Jason Mirco – who are in top form,” Tong commented. “Alex was excellent against Bayswater, he thoroughly deserves his spot in the eleven. He’s got a lot of talent and is definitely a player to watch for in the future.”
National Premier Leagues, Round 2
Inglewood United vs Sorrento
Sunday 26 February @ Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium (Hamer Parade, Inglewood)
Kick-off times
First team 7.00pm
Under-20s 5.00pm
Under-18s 3.00pm
Photograph by Vince Caratozzolo / www.fotoenzo.com
