Soccer: League's woes take backseat to need for goals

By TERRY MADDAFORD

With the league's future again under scrutiny, the Football Kingz will have other things on their minds when they tackle unbeaten Melbourne Knights at Waikato Stadium tonight.

The Kingz have battled well, created plenty of scoring opportunities but come up short in all but one of their six outings.

Coach Ken Dugdale is getting closer to a full-strength squad to call on. Only defenders Jonathan Perry and Johnny Foundulakis and goalkeeper Michael Utting are not in full training.

Mark Burton, who has yet to appear this season, will either be on the bench for tonight's main game or get a run with the "not required" Kingz players, who will make up the bulk of a team to play a local selection.

Dugdale was unable to name a starting line-up as he waited to give his players a run on the match pitch last night but it seems there will be few changes from the team who lost 2-1 to Adelaide City Force last Sunday.

James Pritchett's impressive debut at right back will almost certainly ensure he is retained in the starting lineup. The Kingz defence can expect a busy time against an attack headed by 20-year-old Solomon Island international Henry Fa'Arodo whose two goals in last week's 3-3 draw with Brisbane Strikers earned him the player of the week award.

"I have had a quick look at the video of their game against Brisbane," said Dugdale. "I will have another look before settling on our approach.

"It is important we start capitalising on the chances we are creating. It could be we change things a bit but without making too many changes to the lineup."

The Knights struck quickly against Brisbane with Anthony Pelikan scoring after eight minutes. They led twice more before giving up a late penalty which cost them victory.

Off the field, the drums are again beating with suggestions there could be changes to the league. League chairman Remo Nogarotto said the competition, first played in 1977, is struggling, with crowds down 20 per cent, no television coverage - except for the Kingz matches - and all clubs reportedly losing money.

The clubs are to meet in Melbourne next week.

Kingz owner/chief executive Chris Turner is unperturbed at reports of a 10-team competition.

"We have a licence which allows us to play at the highest level in Australia," said Turner. "Nothing, as far as I can see, has changed that."

Tonight's game kicks off at 7.30.