Soccer: Tambouras to shore up Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

John Tambouras will be back to shore up the Football Kingz defensive line tonight in Brisbane, where they meet the Strikers in the first of two away games in 48 hours.

Stand-in coach Tommy Mason, who leaves with 15 players this morning, is pleased to have the big defender back but will wait until closer to kick-off before settling on a starting line-up.

"I want to have a look at the tape of Brisbane's last game before deciding whether to go with the 4-4-2 formation we used against Adelaide or maybe go 3-5-2," said Mason. "It will be good to have Tambouras back but it will mean some shuffling.

"On a positive side we are almost back to full strength - only Paul Harries wasn't considered - with only goalkeeper Michael Utting needing a fitness test."

With Ross Nicholson forced to stay home through work commitments, Tamati Williams will travel as Utting's cover.

Mason is looking forward to the game and with it the chance to return to better form.

"I thought we deserved at least a point against Adelaide. If Harry [Ngata] had scored his second from the spot, who knows what might have happened. The boys are still giving it everything," said Mason.

"The only real concern is conceeding goals with sloppy work at defensive set plays. In general play they are aggressive although at times they do give the ball away in key positions."

After tonight's game against the fourth-placed Brisbane Strikers - who could close to within two points of leaders Parramatta Power who have the bye - the Kingz fly to Sydney tomorrow before taking a bus to Newcastle to prepare for the Friday night clash with Newcastle United.

Kingz squad: Michael Utting, Tamati Williams, Mauro Donoso, John Tambouras, Espen Schjerven, Jason Rowley, Glen Collins, David Rayner, Jeff Campbell, Mark Burton, Chris Jackson, Harry Ngata, Aleksander Midtsian, Mark Beldham, Tallan Martin.