Advertisement

NPL - Old mate spurs Tong

NPL - Old mate spurs Tong

Balcatta skipper Adam Tong has drawn inspiration from a former teammate who was recently involved in English football play-offs at the famous Wembley Stadium.

Tong, who has been instrumental in Balcatta’s National Premier Leagues WA season, watched on TV as his old club Fleetwood Town reached the third tier of the English game for the first time in their history with a win over Burton Albion.

Tong was delighted to see his old mate Nathan Pond on the Wembley steps, celebrating a big win.

“Nathan has been at the club for 12 years and has been part of the incredible rise from non-league football to now get promotion to League One,” Tong said.

“He’s a top bloke... and his loyalty to the club is top drawer. It inspires me to succeed.”

NPL highlights video

Although Tong’s stay at Balcatta has been considerably shorter than Pond’s commitment to Fleetwood, the big defender has also shown allegiance to his NPL WA club.

“I could have left Balcatta last season when everyone else did, but I showed loyalty and stuck around, and I hope to help Balcatta to the finals this season,” he said.

Balcatta’s five-game winning streak was ended by Floreat Athena last weekend but Tong said the team was determined to get back to winning ways against Sorrento at Grindleford Reserve tomorrow.

“It’s a massive game for us to catch up with the leaders,” Tong said. “It’s also about cementing a top-four spot and set up our challenge for top honours in the NPL.

“Sorrento are a hard working physical side, who have individuals who can win them the game. But we know we have the team to beat them and I believe we can win on Saturday and leap-frog them on the table.”

FIXTURES - Saturday: Cockburn City v ECU Joondalup, Dalmatinac Park, 3pm; Perth v Perth Glory, Dorrien Gardens, 3pm; Balcatta v Sorrento, Grindleford Reserve, 3pm; Stirling Lions v Subiaco, Macedonia Park, 3pm; Armadale v Bayswater City, Alfred Skeet Reserve, 7pm.

Sunday: Inglewood United v Floreat Athena, Intiga Stadium, 3pm.