THE Beckenham Angels admit the new synthetic pitches at Mills Park do give them the advantage over their rivals.

Premier Colin Barnett opened the $47 million facility on May 27, which includes two synthetic soccer pitches – the first of its kind in the state.

The Beckenham facility also features football ovals, a community centre, tennis courts and leisure areas.

The Angels are having an outstanding year and are sitting in the top five in a tightly contested Women’s State League.

Angels player Jess Lindquist said the pitches suited their style of play, which was a tight passing game.

“It provides consistency and you know what to expect when you are on turf but when you are on grass the ball can bobble up,” she said.

“We like a high possession game – we look to play it out from the back and maintain possession from our midfield.

“We are used to grass and it’s fine, but this is lovely to play on for the passing game. If someone strikes the ball and it’s going one way, it’s going to continue one way.”

Goalkeeper Stacey Cavill has had experience playing on synthetic soccer pitches in the United States and said they were the best example of these pitches she has played on.

“I always find that the home team always does a little bit better because of the conditions,” she said.

She also said it made it easier for the goalie as the penalty area did not get ripped up towards the end of the season.

http://www.communitynews.com.au/comment/sport/beckenham-angels-say-new-synthetic-soccer-pitch-gives-them-advantage/