Millgate brimming with confidence at APIA

High-flying APIA Leichhardt Tigers are once again this season’s pace setters, backing up a successful 2017 with a string of prolific performances to put themselves atop the pile.

The opening eight rounds have seen the Billy McColl’s side pull clear of the pack, matched only by Sydney Olympic who trail the reigning Minor Premiers by a significant goal difference.

No-frills fullback Nathan Millgate puts his side’s impressive start down to the confidence flowing through his team in all corners of the park.

“We’re always confident we can win going into every game,” explained Millgate.

“I think the club has done well again this season to recruit players again after having lost a few from last season.

“We feel we can win every game, but Olympic (2nd) and probably Blacktown (3rd) this year have been our hardest opponents and they’ll keep us motivated.”

Millgate is now four seasons into his second spell with the Tigers, having returned to Leichhardt after excelling during his time at Blacktown Spartans.

Now an ever-present force in the Tiger’s defensive line, the consistent fullback is enjoying life at the club under Billy McColl as they seek to improve upon last year by securing silverware come the season’s end.

“We’ve got a good group of boys in the squad,” said Millgate.

“Everyone gets on well both on and off the field and we all have a laugh in the change room.

“We’re playing very similarly to what we were last season as the core of the group is much the same.

“Billy’s got his own methods as well which seem to be helping too.

“(Last season) we lost the Waratah Cup Final and the Grand Final, so we’ll look to go one better this season.

“That’s our biggest motivation this year.”

The Tigers’ next opposition comes in the form of Sydney United 58, a side who last weekend parted ways with head coach and former Socceroo Jason Culina.

While managerial changes generally trigger a reaction from players as they jostle for positions under their incoming coach, Millgate maintains his side are unfazed by the challenge and will be up to the task as per usual.

“United is always a tough game,” remarked Millgate.

“They always have a good atmosphere from their crowd and of course we can expect an inv reaction from their team.

“But while they’re always a tough opponent, we’re always confident we can win.”

See if APIA Leichhardt Tigers can maintain their stranglehold on the top of the table this weekend as they face Sydney United 58 at Sydney United Sports Centre. Kick-off Saturday night at 7:30pm.

– By Michael Shoolman