Soccer: Kingz discover the hard facts of top-level soccer

By TERRY MADDAFORD

Scoring four goals in their last two matches should have ensured the Football Kingz of at least some points in the Australian Soccer League.

But in conceding seven in those same matches they were left empty-handed and sent on a spiral down the points table.

A couple of weeks ago the Auckland-based team were in a position to challenge for a place in the top six. Instead, they find themselves back among the also-rans and lamenting 2-4 and 2-3 losses to the Wollongong Wolves and Northern Spirit respectively.

Coach Wynton Rufer did not mince his words after the disappointing loss to a feisty Spirit side, who went into the game in last place.

Rufer again reminded his players that only 100 per cent was good enough and that errors at this level of football would be punished.

Two such mistakes gifted the Sydney side two quick goals after Marcus Stergiopoulous had given the Kingz a 1-0, 18th-minute lead in Friday night's game.

The Spirit went 3-1 ahead when former Socceroo star Robbie Slater scored. A consolation goal for the Kingz came from Australian Levent Osman.

The return of Che Bunce, after missing the game through suspension, will help when the Kingz meet Adelaide Force away on Friday night.

They will also be hoping Aaran Lines, who was in Sydney but unable to play as his clearance from German club Osnabruk had not come through, will be given the green light.

The $25,000 transfer fee has been paid but the German Football Association - not known for its speed in dealing with such matters - had not forwarded the necessary papers to Soccer Australia to clear the All Whites midfielder.

While Chileans Aaron Silva and David Moya did not travel to Sydney on Friday, Kingz chairman Chris Turner said they were still on the club's books.

There are certain to be further discussions on their future this week.