Report by Tommy Doleman

Photo by Inglewood United

Inglewood United came from a goal down to defeat Balcatta 2-1 as the leaders remained top of the PS4 NPLWA with one league game remaining.

The hosts trailed midway through the first half when Dejan Andric netted, but it proved an adequate wake-up call as Kenny Keogh scored before half time.

Ash Rosindale came off the bench to bag the winner as Inglewood took control of their own destiny, despite a couple of late scares.

Inglewood coach Andy Keogh was hopeful that his side could go on and finish the job.

“It’s important that we go on and win the league to prove that we’ve been the best team over the 26 games and the course of the season,” he said.

“It’s all in the lads hands now. They’ve worked incredibly hard to get in this position and hopefully they enjoy the moment when they step out on the pitch next weekend.”

Keogh also paid tribute to Jason Colli who announced his retirement at seasons end after over a decade at Inglewood.

“Jason has been great in the change room and was a big part of the team when we went unbeaten earlier this season,” he said.

“He’s part of a solid defence, he works hard, stays in good condition and once again he’s been great for us today.

“It was a tough game today. It was scrappy, windy, wet and the pitch was boggy, but the three points is all that matters.”

Balcatta started in very spirited fashion as Luccas Mello got to the byline and showed great skill before shooting wide via a deflection.

They took the lead on 20 minutes when Inglewood’s defence didn’t deal with a cross and Andric stuck a leg out to score at the back post.

Inglewood responded well with most of the pressure coming down the left through the pace and skill of Hamza Hina.

It was Hina who carved out Inglewood’s equaliser as he burst past his marker and squared for Kenny Keogh to slide home.

Keogh nearly had a second goal when Dom Salvoldelli’s clearance was wayward, but the goalkeeper got back in position to save the Irishman’s effort.

Salvoldelli made another fine save early in the second half as Inglewood upped the tempo and the hosts took the lead just before the hour mark.

An Inglewood corner was only partially cleared by Balcatta’s defence and Rosindale managed to sweep home the ball into the net.

Rosindale was making a big impact and hit the post when through on goal moments later, before Matt Ntuemenopoulos remarkably hit the frame with the follow-up.

Ismael Bangura had two good chances late on to pull the visitors level, but was denied by Alex Dunn on one occasion, before firing wide as the hosts moved one step closer to league success.

Inglewood United 2 (Keogh 35min, Rosindale 58)
Balcatta 1 (Andric 20)
Saturday, August 19, 2017
Perth Plasterboard Centre Stadium
Kick-off: 3:00pm
Referee: Steven Gregory

Inglewood United: GK. Alex DUNN, 2. Alex ISHIDA-LIVINGS, 3. David CYRUS, 4. Scott BLACKMORE, 7. Kenny KEOGH 8. Jason BARRERA, 9. Alex SALMON (19. Choc DAU 73’), 16. Matthew NTOUMENOPOULOS, 17. Hamza HINA, 18. Jason COLLI (15. Brian FARRELL 90+3), 23. Brian WOODALL (10. Ash ROSINDALE 45+1).
Substitutes not used: RGK. Adam TONG, 14. Feisal ZAW
Yellow Cards: Keogh 63’, Blackmore 66’
Red Cards: Nil

Balcatta: GK: Domenico SALVOLDELLI, 2. Rudnei NOGUEIRA (8. Brennan BORZECI 72’), 3. Justin ONEK, 4. Calum O’CONNELL, 9. Luccas MELLO, 10. Jonathan CORNESS, 12. Anton DE FRANCESCH, 14. Brody KENNEDY, 16. Marco CHADINHA (23. Ismael BANGURA 31’), 20. Tom PELLIZZARI, 22. Dejan ANDRIC (19. Endalk ACHAMYELEH 59’)
Substitutes not used: RGK: Luke HUTLESON, 18. Ben MEREDITH
Yellow Cards: Borzecki 85’
Red Cards: Nil