Report by Tommy Doleman

Photo courtesy Brett Kulcznik

Leaders Inglewood United continued an impressive start to their PS4 National Premier Leagues season with a 2-1 win over Subiaco at a wet and windy Rosalie Park.

With a strong breeze behind them the visitors dominated the first half and led comfortably at the break thanks to goals from Jason Colli and Calum O’Connell.

Subiaco improved after the restart and benefited from the conditions when Zack Edwards scored a cracker from distance with 25 minutes to play.

But Inglewood defended well and saw out the game to maintain a 100 percent away record in 2016, where they currently sit three points clear of last year’s winner Bayswater.

Inglewood coach Taki Nicolaidis said that it was a good result for his team given the circumstances.

“Conditions weren’t the best for both teams but to come to Subiaco and get the three points is very important,” he said.

“It’s a game of two halves when there’s a strong breeze like that because you’re playing two different types of football effectively.

“We defended well and were good going forward, maybe a little wasteful with 2-3 good chances to put the game away, but at the end of the day it was important we came away with the result.”

Inglewood enjoyed the better start and could have scored inside five minutes as Adam Tong headed narrowly wide.

But a scrappy opening where both teams struggled to adjust to the inclement weather was eventually broken open by two pieces of quality from the leaders.

Kenny Keogh did well to turn and strike an effort on goal, which Ryan Montgomery brilliantly saved, before Colli was first to the loose ball to open the scoring.

Then, with the last kick of the half, the visitors scored after a fluid team move that saw Tong and Colli link up on the right before O’Connell arrived to fire into the roof of the net.

After the break Subiaco were able to get deep into Inglewood territory on several occasions with James Casserly coming close to pulling one back from a long throw.

They did halve the deficit moments later when Edwards blasted a wind-assisted effort from long range that gave Alex Dunn no chance.

Keogh’s battle with Montgomery continued as the latter came out on top again with another fine save at the near post.

Subiaco did have their opportunities to equalise as Kevin White shot through a crowd, which caused a scramble in defence, before Carlin Feely shot wide when in on goal.

But they couldn’t test Dunn again as Inglewood showed resolve late on to hold firm and secure a lead extending three points.

Nicolaidis said the solidarity within the team was a big reason why the club has started the season so well.

“The camaraderie within the group is close to the best I’ve ever had in my coaching or playing career,” he said.

“There plenty of quality in the playing group and it was just about making it click early on.

“At the moment the season is going well but there’s still a long way to go. We’ve got to keep the momentum going and prepare for another big game next week against Perth.”

Subiaco 1 (Edwards 65mins)
Inglewood United 2 (Colli 31’, O’Connell 45’)
Saturday May 21, 2016
Rosalie Park
Local kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Nico Hoyle

Subiaco: GK: Ryan MONTGOMERY, 2. Nathan DIAZ, 3. Ger FITZGERALD, 4. Jackson DONGRAY, 5. James CASSERLY, 7. Carlin FEELY, 8. Kevin WHITE, 9. Ian MCMURRAY (17. Asher NELSON 84’), 11. Owen COATES, 12. Jonas DORLING, 14. Zack EDWARDS
Substitutes not used: 6. Jack MAHON, 13. George TCHAMI, 18. Ross JARMAN, 21. Hamish ST GEORGE
Yellow Cards: Montgomery 90’
Red Cards: Nil

Inglewood United: GK: Alex DUNN, 3. David CYRUS, 4. Scott BLACKMORE, 5. Adam TONG, 6. Calum O’CONNELL, 7. Kenny KEOGH (2. Rikki SMITH 86’), 8. Jason BARRERA, 11. John MIGAS, 13. Josh PERREIRA, 18. Jason COLLI (12. Scott WITSCHGE 81’), 21. Slobodan VULIN (10. Ash ROSINDALE 75’)
Substitutes not used: 16. Paul ZIMARINO, 20. Mitchell PAPAS.
Yellow Cards: Blackmore 17’
Red Cards: Nil