Soccer: Kingz far from convincing but take points anyway

By BOB PEARCE

The Football Kingz were far from their best but still managed a 1-0 win over Sydney United in their National Soccer League match at North Harbour Stadium last night.

Without two of their more penetrative players, Robbie Middleby and Chris Jackson, through suspension, the New Zealand side made little progress in the first half against a team who are bottom of the league with only three wins.

The first half was scoreless and while the Kingz stepped up the pace in the second they failed to turn a host of chances into goals.

But the only goal, in the 51st minute, was worth waiting for. Jonathon Perry floated a perfect freekick into the penalty area and a glancing header from the diving Ivan Vicelich did the rest.

The Kingz should have been two goals up moments later when Marcus Stergiopoulos put Aaron Silva clean through with only the goalkeeper to beat. He dribbled round him but then shot wide of the empty goal.

Silva had another good chance in the 62nd minute. This time he beat two defenders but shot wide when a pass might have been the better option.

Four minutes later he did get a pass to Wynton Rufer, but the veteran's shot was blocked by the goalkeeper.

Sydney clearly had avoiding defeat as their first priority and they often had a defensive line of five or six players.

The Kingz seemed to be dragged down to their level. Midfielders Harry Ngata and Perry were not at their best and time and again passes were inaccurate and put players under pressure.

In fact, for much of the half Sydney created the best chances despite their lack of numbers up front.

The Kingz finally showed some initiative when Perry floated in a good cross from the left to find Silva unmarked, but the Chilean dithered and the chance was lost.

Rufer, who had shown only flashes of his class, ignited something of a Kingz revival over the closing minutes of the half. From the right of the goal he spun round and fired a left-foot shot which was just wide with goalkeeper Steve Tolios grasping air.

And just on the break he met a cross with his head and the ball was just over the top with the goalkeeper beaten.

On a perfect Auckland summer's evening, the Kingz were watched by yet another disappointing crowd. Unfortunately, for once the fans' judgment was right. The New Zealand team played down to their opposition.

Which is a pity because despite their problems off the field, they have usually proved very competitive against some of the best Australia can offer.