Soccer: Five-goal thriller as Kingz get win

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Football Kingz roller-coaster season rolls on.

In a sometimes pulsating National Soccer League clash at North Harbour Stadium last night, the Kingz avenged their first round 3-2 loss to the star-studded Northern Spirit with a win by the same score.

From the outset the Kingz - even with another rearranged lineup - showed they were keen to attack.

Jeff Campbell gave an extra dimension and combined well with front-runners John Lammers and Wynton Rufer with the returning Robbie Middleby providing the support in an ever-likely attack.

The veteran pairing of Lammers and Rufer combined to give the home side their 1-0 21st minute lead when Lammers beat his markers before crossing to Rufer at the far post from where he hit his first time attempt inside the upright.

But just when it looked like they would go to the break a goal to the good, the Kingz were punished when the visitors pressed forward, finding Tony Perinich in space.

He got the ball to David Seal who took one steadying touch before firing home a shot which gave goalkeeper Michael Utting no chance.

The second half was only nine minutes old when the Kingz went ahead again.

Lee Jones played a ball in to Lammers. Unfortunately, in challenging, Matthew Bingley handled. Harry Ngata calmly slotted the resulting penalty for 2-1.

Nine minutes on the visitors were back to 2-2 with a goal out of nothing.

The ball was played in to Troy Cranney who smashed home with a great first time strike.

Stung, the Kingz went back on to attack and were rewarded midway through the spell when the visitors cleared only as far as Marcus Stergiopoulos who pushed the ball wide to Jonathan Perry who whipped home a volley.