Soccer: Buoyant Kingz put form on line against leaders

By TERRY MADDAFORD

The Football Kingz put their second-to-none record against National Soccer League leaders South Melbourne on the line at Bob Jane Stadium tomorrow night.

The Wynton Rufer-coached team, facing their third away trip in 15 days, beat the Australian side twice last season and will be looking for a continuation of recent efforts which have earned them a 1-1 draw with Wollongong Wolves and a 2-0 win over Canberra Cosmos.

With temperatures in Melbourne yesterday soaring beyond 40 deg, the kickoff has been delayed until 6 pm local time.

The Kingz appear to have taken a turn for the better, with the defence looking more settled since the arrival of former Melbourne-based Carlton defender Sean Douglas.

Joining Australians Levent Osman and Michael Cartwright, Douglas has added the defensive solidity missing through the early part of the season.

Their battle with All White striker Vaughan Coveny promises to be a highlight of the match.

With midfield workhorse Ivan Vicelich away for trials in Holland, there will be added responsibility across the middle of the park, with captain Harry Ngata likely to get a start.

Vicelich has impressed in his first two training sessions at Roda JC and faces matches against Belgium first-division club Lierse and German Bundesliga side FC Cologne in the next few days.

In one definite change, injured Kingz goalkeeper Chris Marsh will stay home, suffering a corked thigh, with Simon Eaddy likely to take his place.

South Melbourne will be without suspended midfielder Con Boutsianis, but still boast an experienced squad, including Paul Trimboli, who is closing in on his 400th NSL match. The Mike Petersen-coached side have 13 players boasting more than 100 league appearances.

"Coming off some good results, I believe this game will be a tough encounter," said Petersen. "We've never beaten the Kingz, home or away, so the boys are fired up to avenge last season's defeats."

Rufer is looking forward to the encounter and the chance to continue their recent run.

"The team confidence is high and the form is improving with each game," he said. "This week's match is another challenge and we must overcome the travel, with South's experienced team and their fans hard to handle."