Soccer: Kingz in faltering first gear

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Even a rejuvenated second-half effort was not enough to save the Football Kingz in their National Soccer League clash with Sydney's Northern Spirit at Ericsson Stadium last night.

The visitors won 2-1 - their second win over the Auckland-based side this season.

The faithful - and the Kingz again attracted a decent crowd - had hardly made it to their seats before the visitors were ahead.

Andy Bluhm, looking for two touches when one could have cleared the ball on halfway, gave up possession. The ball was pushed through and Ben Burgess was handed a gift-wrapped goal in just 68 seconds.

The Kingz seemed to be jammed in first gear and rarely threatened.

Sparked by the introduction of Noah Hickey and Tim Stevens at the break, they equalised in the 49th minute when
Jeff Campbell met a well-directed Aaran Lines cross to head home.

But the defensive frailties were again exposed on the hour, when Burgess was unchallenged at the far post in volleying home.

The return of Gerard Davis gave some hope but his efforts were not matched by some of his team-mates. That and woeful efforts from set play - nine corners and a host of attacking freekicks - cost the Kingz any chance of a desperately needed victory.