Soccer: Kingz facing playoffs pressure

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Robbie Middleby and Fred de Jong are back and certain to play key roles today as the Football Kingz continue their late charge for a place in the Australian National Soccer League playoffs.

The Kingz face the Adelaide Force at North Harbour Stadium in a game crucial to both sides.

Middleby, perhaps the best of the Australians in the Auckland-based side, has not played a full game since February 4 and only part of two matches since. His ability to provide width and go-forward in the midfield could be vital.

The two teams have met three times already this season, with the Kingz winning the first 3-2 away but losing the second and third, away and home, 0-2. Both teams have 44 points from 30 games but Adelaide, with the best defensive record in the league, are ahead on goal difference.

"Robbie has been building up towards this game," said Kingz assistant coach Shane Rufer.

"He came through a fitness test at training and is ready to play. We will need to be at our very best because they are a very good side."

Adelaide have internationals Aurelio Vidmar, Alex Tobin and Damian Mori to underline their across-the-park strength.

De Jong will be a valuable frontrunner after missing the past two games. In his last outing he played a pivotal role and scored a goal as the Kingz turned in their best performance of the season to beat Marconi 3-1.

With de Jong and Middleby back in the squad, Marcus Stergiopoulos and Levent Osman have been rested. While 12 of the 14 players who turned out in Wednesday night's exciting 4-0 win over Parramatta have been included for today's game, Rufer said the starting line-up might be rearranged.

"We have not named the starting side yet. Obviously we still have to be wary as we are only midway through the four games we have to play in 10 days so we have to juggle things a bit," said Rufer.

Chris Jackson appeared far more comfortable back in the midfield. Like his team-mates, he overcame a tentative start to combine well with Jonathan Perry, Ivan Vicelich, Harry Ngata and Jeff Campbell in providing the solid link between a good defensive and attacking effort.

Kingz squad: Daniel Duke, Riki van Steeden, Noah Hickey, Lee Jones, Jonathan Perry, Chris Jackson, Harry Ngata, Ivan Vicelich, Jeff Campbell, Robbie Middleby, Wynton Rufer, Aaron Silva, Fred de Jong, Batram Suri.