Soccer: Kingz scrape up bare 15 players for Marconi clash

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Have boots and a ticket, will travel and most likely play.

That was the case for Football Kingz coach Tommy Mason yesterday as he rounded up 15 players for this morning's trip to Sydney.

"For the first time this season, we are down to the bare 15," Mason said yesterday. "It wasn't until late in the day I knew who would be travelling. We have been hit by illness, suspension and injury. Even now I have no idea who will play."

The Kingz meet Marconi Stallions at Marconi Stadium tonight in a game vital to the home side, who go into the match in seventh place, one outside the playoffs.

In nine matches between them, the Kingz have won five, Marconi three, with one drawn. But at home Marconi have registered three victories.

The patched-up mob that Mason will put out tonight must bounce back from last week's 4-2 loss to Sydney Olympic in Hamilton in their chase for their third win of the season.

Regular captain Chris Jackson will be missing as he serves a two-week suspension. Goalkeeper Ross Nicholson has been allowed to leave the club early to prepare for another season with Central United.

The loss of central defenders Danny Hay, who is injured, and John Tambouras, who is ill, will make it hard for the Kingz.

Also missing are Michael Williams, who is also ill, and David Rayner, Paul Seaman and Espen Schjerven, who are injured.

Mark Burton returns, as do Paul Harries, Tallan Martin and Mauro Donoso.

Kingz: Michael Utting, Tamati Williams, Jason Rowley, Glen Collins, Mauro Donoso, Jeff Campbell, Tallan Martin, Jeremy Christie, Mark Burton, Paul Harries, Chad Coombe, Harry Ngata, Noah Hickey, Craig Wylie, Brad Scott.