Soccer: Fallon's the man says happy defender

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Jonathan Perry has no doubt that Kevin Fallon is the right man to be coaching the Football Kingz, pointing to the team's improved performance in recent weeks.

While stories of discontent have surfaced since Fallon followed Mike Petersen and Shane Rufer as coach of the Auckland franchise, Perry prefers to concentrate on the team's improved form.

"For a time we were conceding too many goals," said the 25-year-old, who first came under the Fallon influence in the early 1990s.

"Now we are controlling things better. It is like any time you get a new coach, it takes time to adjust. I feel we have done that.

"Playing alongside [fellow-defenders] Robbie Hooker and John Markovski has given me more confidence," he said.

Perry, one of the regulars since the Kingz first kicked a ball in the 1999-2000 season, lines up at Ericsson Stadium tonight against Sydney United in another of those all-too-familiar "must-win" games.

Fallon has, not surprisingly, stuck with a settled lineup as he chases a second win this season over the Sydneysiders.

The only likely change comes up front, with Paul Urlovic back from suspension to join Campbell Banks.

There might also be a switch in the left defensive role if Sean Douglas has not recovered from his ankle injury. If he is missing, captain Chris Jackson could drop back and allow Mark Burton to join the midfield.

Perry first came to Fallon's notice when playing under Roger Wilkinson at Waikato United and he went to England on a GRE Centre of Excellence scholarship, where he played 4 1/2 years at Barnsley.

He said he was enjoying his attacking freedom with the Kingz.

"I prefer playing the 4-4-2 system. We are adapting to that. You know your role. I'm encouraged to get forward and get the crosses in, knowing the cover will be there.

"In my early days I played as sweeper but now I prefer playing on the right," said Perry, who went to Barnsley as a 16-year-old after trials at Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday.

In their clash with Sydney United earlier this season, Harry Ngata scored in the 51st and 71st minutes and the Kingz held on to win 2-1. Since then, United have lost star Ante Milicic to the Olympic Sharks, though they still have Commins Menapi to lead their attack.

Menapi, who played in New Zealand before crossing the Tasman, scored in the game in Sydney.

Though places in the top six appear beyond reach, both teams will be looking for something from tonight's game.

"We want to get off the bottom," said Fallon.

"We have worked very hard and I feel we have a golden opportunity to do that. "

Kick-off is at 7.30.

Kingz: Michael Theoklitos, Jonathan Perry, Robbie Hooker, John Markovski, Sean Douglas or Chris Jackson, Harry Ngata, Mark Burton, George Goutzioulis, Andy Vlahos, Paul Urlovic, Campbell Banks. Substitutes: Scott Bishop, Craig Wylie, Levent Osman, Vinko Buljubasic.

Sydney United (from): Vilson Knezevic, Vince Savoca, Nahuel Arrarte, Zeljko Kopic, Ante Deur, Aytec Genc, Commins Menapi, Paul Bilokapic, Daniel Watkins, Michael Cindric, Mile Jedinak, Ivan Zelic, Christian Cevenini, Sebastian Sinozic, Steven Minovski.