Soccer: Kingz itching to break that bogey

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Shane Rufer and others close to the Football Kingz have always steered away from talk about records and other side issues, but there is no doubt tonight's away game with Newcastle United holds some significance.

The mid-season mini-run of a draw (with Sydney United) and victories over Sydney Olympic and Eastern Pride give the Wynton Rufer-coached Kingz the chance of recording three successive wins for the first time.

They have been in that position before in their season-and-a-half history, but have failed to nail the third one.

"It is clear to everyone where we are at," Shane Rufer said. "But, as we have always said, the next game is always the most important. That hasn't changed."

Unfortunately, the line-up has.

Hopes of putting out a settled team were dashed in the last minute of training on Wednesday when German striker Dennis Ibrahim cried off with a groin strain, which could sideline him for up to a month.

Wynton Rufer is also out of tonight's game at Marathon Stadium to rest a sore calf muscle.

"It would have been the same starting line-up," Shane Rufer said. "We have been playing well in the last six or seven weeks, with our only loss to leaders South Melbourne."

Tim Stevens will take Ibrahim's place and join Paul Urlovic in what could prove a potent strikeforce.

Chilean striker Aaron Silva gets as close to on-field action as he has in weeks in being named as a substitute.

Simon Eaddy stays in goal, Michael Cartwright, Levent Osman and Sean Douglas will again form the defensive unit, and the midfield of Noah Hickey, Mark Burton, Harry Ngata, Andy Bluhm and Aaran Lines remains unchanged.

"It is going to be another hot one," Rufer said. "Playing in Newcastle is never easy because they have good crowd support."

But if they are to make the play-offs, the Kingz will have to overcome conditions, crowds and other challenges.

The match starts at 9.30 pm (NZ time).

* Kingz team: Simon Eaddy, Michael Cartwright, Levent Osman, Sean Douglas, Noah Hickey, Mark Burton, Harry Ngata (capt), Andy Bluhm, Aaran Lines, Paul Urlovic and Tim Stevens. Substitutes: Che Bunce, Jonathan Perry, Aaron Silva and Chris Marsh.