Soccer: Happy beginning to Kingz' New Year

By TERRY MADDAFORD

A deserved 2-0 away win, the Football Kingz' first victory in nine weeks and their first of the season across the Tasman, gave the side the happy New Year present they so desperately wanted.

And for the fans back home, there was a hint that the selection revolving door might, finally, be slammed shut, for this week at least.

Assistant coach Shane Rufer said after the game against Canberra Cosmos on Saturday night that while he and the players were pleased with the victory, he was certain the team could do better.

They will have to.

Canberra are hardly from the top drawer of the Australian National League. A better indication of whether this was a turn for the better will come with Friday's away game against defending champions Wollongong Wolves.

"Everyone performed well and we controlled the game for long periods," Rufer said. "We have a couple of minor injuries, to Levent Osman, Harry Ngata and Andy Bluhm, but nothing serious.

"There may not be any changes."

The team who started at Bruce Stadium - Simon Eaddy, Osman, Michael Cartwright, Douglas, Jonathan Perry, Mark Burton, Andy Bluhm, Ivan Vicelich, Campbell, Wynton Rufer and Dennis Ibrahim - certainly had a solid look.

Eaddy made his debut in goal after Chris Marsh failed a late fitness test.

He made one crucial save and impressed Rufer with his kicking, distribution and organisational skills.

The reintroduction of Campbell immediately brought some much-needed width and a feast of well-directed crosses both from set and general play.

The Kingz took the lead in the 33rd minute when, following a succession of headers, Burton found Ibrahim, who pushed his left-foot attempt into the Canberra goal.

They continued to dominate with Ibrahim (three times) and Burton having second-half chances before substitute Harry Ngata (on for Rufer) sent Vicelich clear.

He charged past his challengers before firing the ball between Konstantinou's legs and into the net.