Soccer: Kingz hoping for some Glory in Perth

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Never have the odds been so great, but Kingz coach Kevin Fallon is using the underdog tag as the incentive for his players to turn it on against NSL runaway leaders Perth Glory tonight.

Thumped 7-2 in Auckland early in the season, none but the bravest would suggest the Kingz have even half a chance at Perth Oval.

But Fallon is putting on a brave face.

"It is a long way to come for nothing," he said, as he prepared to take his players out for a training session under lights last night.

"I'm glad we came early. It has given the players the chance to settle. In many ways it is like preparing for an international."

But it has not been all plain sailing in the lead-up to the game against the side who lead the league by a record 11 points after 16 rounds.

Only Melbourne Knights, in 1994-95 (when a win was worth four rather than three points), have done better. They led by 12 points, but only after 20 rounds.

Kingz goalkeeper James Bannatyne twisted his ankle with the last kick at training before the team left Auckland on Wednesday.

East Coast Bays' Scott Bishop flew to Perth last night and will deputise for Michael Theoklitos if needed.

Midfielder Mark Burton is nursing a slight calf strain. As a precaution, the Kingz have registered Fallon's son Sean for the match. He will take Burton's place on the substitutes' bench if necessary.

With contracts for next season up for grabs over forthcoming weeks, Fallon expects all players to respond by giving 100 per cent.

"They know they are being looked at," said Fallon. "This game, surely, is the ultimate in the NSL. Playing Perth away - it doesn't come any better. The opportunity to impress is there."

So are the memories of the early-season disaster at Ericsson Stadium, where the league's leading goalscorer Damian Mori banged home a hat-trick.

Bobby Despotovski and Brad Maloney, who will again be in action tonight, chipped in with a couple each.

One of the most interesting battles tonight will be Sean Douglas' attempt to rein in Matthew Horsley. Douglas will again take the left side defensive role. Robbie Hooker, who this week (along with captain Chris Jackson) signed a contract until the end of the season, will take the central role with John Markovski.

Campbell Banks will start up front with Paul Urlovic, who goes into the game in fourth place on the goalscoring list. Urlovic scored one of his eight goals in that loss to Perth. He would dearly love another one or two tonight.

Kick-off is at midnight (NZ time).

Football Kingz (likely): Michael Theoklitos, Jonathan Perry, Robbie Hooker, John Markovski, Sean Douglas, Harry Ngata, Chris Jackson, George Goutzioulis, Andy Vlahos, Campbell Banks, Paul Urlovic. Substitutes: Scott Bishop, Mark Burton, Levent Osman, Jeff Campbell.

Perth Glory (from): Jason Petkovic, Matthew Horsley, Jamie Harnwell, Craig Deans, Brad Maloney, Alistair Edwards, Bobby Despotovski, Michael Garcia, Bradley Hassell, Edgar Junior, Damian Mori, Gary Faria, Shane Pryce, David Tarka, Vince Matassa.