Soccer: Stallions pose big hurdle for Kingz to clear

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Eddie Krncevic remembers well his last visit to Ericsson Stadium, then Mt Smart Stadium.

Tonight he returns to the ground, for the first time in 19 years, as coach of high-flying Australian National Soccer League side Marconi Stallions for their match against the Football Kingz.

Krncevic led the Australian charge in the first game - drawn 3-3 - of what became the long and winding road in the All Whites' 1982 World Cup campaign.

"I scored two great goals," said Krncevic when he arrived in Auckland last night. "But in the end we only came away with a draw and New Zealand deservedly went on to play in the World Cup.

"We are looking forward to the game against the Kingz for a number of reasons. I'm looking forward to meeting one of my dear friends, Wynton Rufer, it is the chance to avenge the 3-0 loss we suffered when we played them at home and the opportunity for us to continue our chase for a place in the top two."

Marconi have won three in a row, against the Wollongong Wolves, Sydney Olympic and Northern Spirit, in charging into the top three on the NSL table. They are determined to make the top two and with it a second chance in the end-of-season playoffs.

"We know it will be difficult. We are confident of getting a result as we are peaking at the right time and with no injuries or suspensions, I can put out a first choice team," Krncevic said.

Rufer will not name his starting Xl until just before kickoff but could pull a surprise or two when he names the 14 players for his team's first game at the stadium.

"Fred de Jong has trained this week and could come into consideration," Rufer said. "We have a few options up front, with John Lammers available after suspension.

"I have been pleased with the way our younger players like Leigh Kenyon, Noah Hickey and Jeff Campbell have fitted in. They should be involved again."

After leaving Aaron Silva and David Moya behind for last weekend's game against the Gippsland Falcons, Rufer may well consider pulling them back in for tonight's game.

"[Marconi] are on fire," he said. "We did well to beat them over there but we know this will be a tough game.

"If we can get the same attitude from our players as we did against Gippsland, I'm sure we can do well. Their attitude in that game was much better than when we lost to Perth Glory, that's for sure.

"We are really looking forward to playing away from North Harbour Stadium to see just what support we can get.

"In the games we have played in Christchurch and Wellington we have had good crowds. Hopefully we will get the same here."

The game starts at 7.30pm.