Soccer: Knights in frantic search for self-belief

New Zealand Knights coach Paul Nevin was trying to keep his head up despite their 0-5 loss to Queensland Roar in soccer's A-League in Brisbane on Friday night.

"We can't afford to feel sorry for ourselves. I might have to tweak a couple of things but I think it's all about confidence and belief. And that's what we've got to get back," he said.

"The players have shown they're very capable of competing.

"We need to capitalise on our good passages of play.

"We're letting teams off the hook at key moments and they're punishing us when they have the same opportunities."

The Knights' second round win seemed a world away after their latest result.

It completed a forgettable week for Nevin's side who lost 0-3 to Melbourne Victory at home last weekend.

The Knights trailed 0-1 at halftime but it was a procession in the second half, with three goals in the final 20 minutes, as the Roar remained unbeaten this season before a 15,000-strong home crowd at the imposing Suncorp Stadium.

The Roar had a huge 26 shots to six from the Knights, whose best chances came in the first half when former Queensland player Jonti Richter and Noah Hickey both blasted over the bar.

Roar striker Matt McKay, who opened the scoring in the seventh minute, completed the rout five minutes from fulltime with his second goal when Knights goalkeeper Michael Turnbull parried a shot from China's Yuning Zhang.

The Knights also struggled with their discipline, with four yellow cards dished out by referee Mark Shield to Neil Emblen, Che Bunce, Richter and Sime Kovacevic - the latter conceding a 54th minute penalty which was put away by Brazilian Reinaldo da Costa.

In the next round Queensland will host minor premiers Adelaide United and the Knights will meet defending champions Sydney FC at North Harbour Stadium on Thursday.

In yesterday's games, Sydney FC drew 2-2 with Newcastle Jets. Steve Corica scored from the penalty spot to give Sydney the lead and David Zdrilic got them out to 2-0 in the 38th minute. Milton Rodriquez scored twice in the second half to level it.

And Melbourne Victory beat Central Coast 1-0.

- NZPA