Soccer: Injuries force Kingz rejig

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Injuries and a search for greater speed on the flanks have forced Football Kingz coach Kevin Fallon to ring the changes for tonight's game against high-flying Newcastle United.

Seventeen-year-old Craig Wylie, stymied by the paperwork which left him stranded last week, looks set to get a start at Ericsson Stadium, coming in for the injured Mark Atkinson.

With Levent Osman and Sean Douglas also sidelined with injury, Fallon's defensive resources are stretched.

He can, however, count on Gerard Davis giving him a full match for the first time in weeks. Davis is likely to take a wing-back role.

In the shuffle, ever-dependable Chris Jackson might drop back to join Riki Van Steeden and Hiroshi Miyazawa.

If Jackson does take a defensive responsibility, Harry Ngata seems set to get a start in the midfield alongside Mark Burton and George Goutzioulis as the Kingz search for their second win of the season.

With Campbell Banks still short of full fitness and again likely to be used from the substitutes' bench, Paul Urlovic and Andy Vlahos seem set to take the attacking reins against the team with the second-best defensive record in the NSL.

Newcastle, who will have former All Whites skipper Chris Zoricich back after a one-week suspension, have gone 10 games without defeat this season - five wins and five draws, including 1-1 against leaders Perth Glory.

Strikers Joel Griffiths (also back after a week off) and Esala Masi pose the biggest threat to the Kingz. They have scored nine of Newcastle's 13 goals and will be keen to add to that tally against the side with the worst defensive record.

Despite the disruption of having to give his players a day off this week to meet Professional Footballers Association requirements, Fallon is confident he will put out a team capable of getting points.

"They have worked hard," Fallon said. "The injuries have been unfortunate, but it at least gives players such as young Wylie a chance."

Fallon yesterday watched a video of Newcastle's home draw with Perth and will watch it again with his players today before tackling the team they beat 5-1 last season.

Kingz (from): Michael Theoklitos, Jonathan Perry, Gerard Davis, Chris Jackson, Hiroshi Miyazawa, Riki Van Steeden, Craig Wylie, Harry Ngata, George Goutzioulis, Mark Burton, Paul Urlovic, Andy Vlahos, Campbell Banks, John Markovski, James Bannatyne.

Newcastle (from): Daniel Beltrame, Andrew Roberts, Matthew Bingley, Chris Zoricich, Mark Wilson, Scott Baillie, Milan Blagojevic, Joseph Schirripa, Esala Masi, Joel Griffiths, Robbie Middleby, Anthony Surjan, Travis Dodd, Michael Prentice, Peter Tsekenis, Tallan Martin, Bradley Swancott.

Referee: Perry Mur.

Kick-off: 7.30 pm.