Soccer: Kingz take it point by point

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Tommy Mason is taking a realistic approach as the Football Kingz head into the second half of the Australian NSL season.

Still in a caretaker role as he awaits a firm decision on Ken Dugdale's replacement as coach at the struggling club, Mason remains philosophical in setting his goals.

No outlandish predictions of making the top six (and the playoffs), rather a game-by-game plan.

"In our situation you have to be a realist," Mason said after his team arrived back from a tough two-match trip that brought a 1-1 draw against Brisbane Strikers and a 2-0 loss to Newcastle United.

"Rather than think about the top six, we will be trying to get as many points as we can from each game. My target, initially at least, are the teams with us in the bottom three or four on the ladder."

Mason could point to a horrendous playing schedule during his time in charge, but refuses, preferring to "just get on with it."

"Sure, we don't get any favours from the draw, but I must say the players refuse to give up. Their attitude can't be faulted.

"Like the game against Newcastle. That was our third match in seven days, whereas they had had a decent break and went in fresh.

"We had enough chances in the first half to get something, but football can at times be cruel. Despite some good defending there was nothing we could do about their first goal."

Against the run of play Mitchell Johnson charged on to a ball from Esala Masi and unleashed a 30-metre cracker which debutant goalkeeper Tamati Williams could only watch fly into the far corner of his goal.

"It was one of those goals you just stand and clap," Mason said.

"Earlier, we had had one disallowed, one cleared off the line and another which was headed just over."

Harry Ngata led the way for the Kingz, but could not convert a couple of half- chances.

Newcastle's second goal, 10 minutes into the second spell, was the heartbreaker.

After keeping out a couple of attempts, the Kingz defence could do little about a third which was headed home by Craig Deans.

Williams pushed a shot from former Kingz player Robbie Middleby over the bar and Masi headed wide from another opportunity as the Kingz, determined to salvage something, pushed forward in a more attacking 3-4-3 formation.

Back home late Saturday afternoon, the players had the day off yesterday but will be back at training tonight preparing for Friday night's clash with Sydney United at Ericsson Stadium.

They then have a little over a week to their next game at home, to pacesetters Parramatta Power in Hamilton, before another tough away trip for matches in Perth and Melbourne in a four-day stint.

With a bit of luck, Mason will have Michael Utting, Mauro Donoso and Paul Harries available for Friday night.

Only Aleksander Midtsian will definitely be missing, but it is hoped his medial ligament damage might not be as bad as first feared and he could be fit in two or three weeks.

In Utting's absence - his foot injury is taking time to heal - Williams made a good fist of his debut.

It is these small things which give Mason some hope.