Defender Brandon Clarke believes the special bond within the Under-18 squad has been the secret to their rise to the top of the competition ladder.   Inglewood United’s youth team claimed outright leadership of the league twelve days ago and, with seven games remaining, they hold a three-point advantage over the rest of the field.

The race for the league title is going to be tight with the end of month clash against second-placed Perth Glory likely to have to big bearing on who gets to lift the trophy.   Clarke is in no doubt as to which club that will be, the 17-year old saying the family-like together of the dressing room is the secret to Inglewood’s continued success.

“There is something special about this group of players, it’s a real honour to be playing alongside them,” Clarke commented.   “We’ve been playing brilliantly of late, everyone gets along well and we all stick together through thick and thin.   Given all the commitment and effort we have put in, we deserve to be in top spot.”

“But I feel there is more to come from us, I can see us going to the next level.   This comes from the level of dedication we have to our game and the desire to better ourselves.   We are happy with where we are and how things are turning out … I’m looking forward to finding out what we can achieve.”

Clarke, who joined Inglewood this season after several years with Perth SC, also paid tribute to the off-field team consisting of Richie Abrams, Alex Carter and Kurtis Rae.   “Richie has fully participated with me growing as a player,” he said.   “Alex has also contributed to my development and special thanks to Kurtis for keeping all of us fit.”

“I can’t thank Richie enough for what he’s done for me.   He convinced me to join Inglewood and has always kept faith and pushed me on to the next level.   He has reminded me of what football is all about.   I want to win the league and Top Four for Richie, he deserves the best and I’m hoping we can repay him the favour.”