Soccer: Kingz in hostile territory

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Tommy Mason is determined that the Football Kingz' win over Wollongong Wolves on Monday night will be no flash in the pan or a chance for the players to dwell on a job well done.

"Sure, everyone is chuffed with the win and they were, rightly so, over the moon after their first away victory of the season," coach Mason said yesterday. "But that has to be put behind us now."

There is little time to reflect as the Kingz are back in action tonight in perhaps the most hostile environment in the NSL.

The away trip to Adelaide is never easy, with a difficult travel schedule followed by a match played in front of a large crowd.

In their last home game against Newcastle United, Adelaide attracted their 100,000th home spectator of the season. That milestone was reached in only their eighth game of the season at Hindmarsh Stadium.

On only three occasions in NSL history has that figure been reached in a shorter time: Perth Glory (six games) and Northern Spirit (seven) in the 1998-99 season, and Perth (seven) in the previous season.

Adelaide have attracted an average 12,550 spectators to their home games this season, the best figure in the league.

"It will be a new experience for some of the players," Mason said. "But I'm confident they can cope. There is no way they should be daunted, rather they should want to get out and enjoy the experience."

The Kingz will be without Harry Ngata, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Also missing will be Craig Wylie (suspended), while Tallan Martin has a hip flexor injury and is a doubtful starter.

Paul Harries is back to full fitness and will travel with Brad Scott and Chad Coombes, who are also in the frame.

"With injuries the way they are, I've looked for cover in as many positions as I can," Mason said.

"There is a bit of a mix and match look about things."

David Rayner and Glen Collins, who were on the bench on Monday night, are likely to get a run tonight, with Michael Williams providing the cover at fullback and in the wide midfield roles.

The game kicks off at 10pm (New Zealand time).