Soccer: Wolves bogy side for Kingz

By TERRY MADDAFORD

It is not quite a case of familiarity breeding contempt, but Football Kingz player-coach Wynton Rufer said facing second-placed Wollongong Wolves for the fourth time this season in Wollongong tomorrow night was not going to be easy.

"All teams have to play one other team four times and it is our bad luck we are up against one of the best," Rufer said. "They have one of the best strike-forces in the NSL and are also a team with one of the most impressive home records.

"It's going to be tough but we have to take a positive attitude into the game."

The squad to travel tomorrow morning will not be named until after training today but new signing John Lammers will play.

"He will either play up front or just in behind," said Rufer. "He is a good player, but that's what you would expect from someone who has been 18 years a professional. I'm sure he will show he is another class."

Rufer is also likely to play at least part of the game as the Kingz attempt to improve on their sorry record against a Wollongong side who have been something of a bogy team for them.

In three outings, the best they have managed is a 1-1 draw.

The Dino Minnello factor also looms large. The former Kingz midfielder has become and important cog in the Wollongong wheel and again poses a real threat.

After goalkeeper Jason Batty's impressive return from injury, he is back on the sideline with a recurrence of his thigh injury. His place will be taken by Michael Utting.

Also missing will be Robbie Middleby, also with a thigh injury, fellow Australian Levent Osman, who is serving the second week of the suspension he received after being sent off in the first minute of the game against Wollongong two weeks ago, and Fred de Jong and Arran Lines, who are still wrestling with long-term injuries.

While now back in 10th place, the Kingz are just three points out of the top six and have two games in hand over many teams above them.