Honesty best policy for resurgent Inglewood
Inglewood United will boast a full-strength squad for the first time this season when they take on Cockburn City at Dalmatinac Park in round 10 of the National Premier Leagues WA on Saturday.
Defender Matt Danskin said Inglewood’s four-straight losses was the worst start to a season he had experienced and had not been easy on coach Graham Normanton.
“We did some soul searching as a player group, put our cards on the table, some home truths were told and we then set some goals that we wanted to achieve, and it worked,” said Danskin, whose career has included a spell with German Bundesliga giants Werder Bremen.
“The players knew that Graham was under a lot of pressure but Normo being Normo, (he) never deflected blame on his players.
“He always had confidence in us and the players responded and it showed we are right behind him.”
Since the poor start, the club has been on a fantastic run and now sit fifth on the table.
Injuries affected Danskin and several players early in their campaign but that seems to be behind them now.
“Injuries are a big factor in how your season pans out,” he said.
“We were hit early in the season but that’s just football, you deal with it and do your best with what’s available.
“My injuries are all clear now and I’m really enjoying my football again and I’m looking forward to the Cockburn game.
“It’s never an easy place to go and get a result and Saturday will be no different.
“We have set out goals and head there full of confidence and will be looking for all three points to keep our winning form intact.”
In other games on Saturday, league leaders Bayswater City travel to E&D Litis Stadium to take on Floreat Athena, while Sorrento entertain Armadale at Percy Doyle Reserve.
There will be a Cool Ridge Cup semi-final rehearsal when Stirling Lions host ECU Joondalup at Macedonia Park, while Perth makes the trip to the WA Athletics Stadium to face bottom of the table Subiaco.
The final game of the round takes place on Sunday when Perth Glory meets Balcatta at Intiga Stadium.
The Glory youngsters performed admirably last week at Bayswater, going down 2-1.
Striker Joe Knowles is looking forward to Glory’s next challenge.
“I thought we deserved a point from the game last week,” he said.
“We showed a great deal of character to hold off a team like Bayswater, but we couldn’t convert our chances, but it was outstanding effort from all the lads.
“Balcatta will be another huge challenge for us; they have picked up in recent weeks, so both teams will be up for it and keen to take the three points.”
All games kick-off at 3pm.
