Soccer: Last-gasp goal gives Kingz rare win

SYDNEY - The Football Kingz saved themselves the ignominy of consecutive last placings in the National Soccer League with a last gasp 2-1 victory over a depleted Newcastle United at EnergyAustralia Stadium.

The Kingz spiked a depressing three-match losing streak with practically the last kick of the game when Andy Vlahos calmly swept home an 87th-minute cross from substitute Mark Atkinson, who entered the game only moments earlier.

Vlahos, one of the Kingz hardest workers this season, was rewarded with his third goal of a frustrating campaign.

"He's been struggling to find the net so I'm pleased for him," coach Ken Dugdale said.

After conceding 13 goals in their last three matches, for once it was the Kingz who made the early impression against a club unbeaten in seven games.

Harry Ngata reacted quickest in the penalty area when a corner was nodded on by defender Jonathon Taylor.

The veteran midfielder trapped the ball and slotted it past Newcastle goalkeeper Tom Willis to give the Kingz a fifth-minute lead.

Their joy was short-lived with Newcastle, resting five first choice players with yellow card problems, equalising from the restart.

Fijian international Esala Masi beat an ill-judged offside trap to slide the ball past the advancing Michael Utting.

The game seemed headed for a draw before an inspired substitution by Dugdale laid the foundation for Vlahos' winner.

"Everyone is relieved - they played well," Dugdale admitted after the Kingz' sixth win from 23 games.

The victory improved the Kingz' points tally to 24 and cannot be overhauled by bottom side Marconi, who lost 2-1 to Northern Spirit.

- NZPA