Soccer: Kingz keep on ticking after every licking

Australians have never given a sucker an even break - but that hasn't stopped New Zealand teams having a shot at the riches across the Tasman.

Apart from the Warriors, few have achieved much.

Like the Breakers basketball team and water polo's Stingrays, the Football Kingz have found life across the ditch difficult.

The Stingrays and the Kingz have yet to reach their respective playoffs, although the water polo team came close this year, and the Breakers face a real struggle if they are to make it at their first attempt.

But that lack of success does not mean giving up. The Kingz have had their moments, at times threatening to break through and "make a statement".

Their off-field and other problems are well documented but, to their credit, they have soldiered on.

Their successes have, deservedly, been lauded.

Sadly these have been few and far between. The giddy days of 8000-plus crowds are but a faded memory. The record stands at better than 13,000 (in Hamilton in 2001). These days the number is likely to be closer to 1300.

For the faithful, the enthusiasm remains. Performances akin to the one they turned in to beat Marconi Stallions last Sunday can only help win back that flagging fan base.

While many supporters have turned off, some, like long-time sponsors/supporters Lotto Sports NZ, remain for the long haul.

"From the time we came in at the start of the second season, we have enjoyed the highs and been happy to ride the lows," says Lotto's general manager Blair Dawkins. "We feel the Football Kingz have a major part to play in New Zealand soccer."

That sentiment is shared by many who want to see the Kingz succeed.

The enthusiasm of the Kingz players, who have taken a salary cut and opted for part-time training, ensures they are doing their bit to keep the ship afloat.

There is no-one who does not want to see the Kingz succeed.

Their participation in the Australian league remains the sport's shop window.

Coach Ken Dugdale has ridden the ups and downs of the past couple of years. He, like the supporters, welcomed the ground-breaking win over Marconi.

"That win came as a result of being able to be consistent in our team selection as much as anything," said Dugdale.

"Apart from the games against Parramatta Power and Perth Glory the losses have been narrow, often when we were looking at different players. The confidence is growing.

"I can't fault the players for their attitude. There is definitely a better atmosphere around the club. Despite losing six on the trot the enthusiasm is tremendous. They know they can turn the corner.

"The win over Marconi only confirmed what they knew. They know they can play and have let games go with silly mistakes.

"They have been able to put the off-field issues to one side and get on with the job."

It was no surprise they took maximum points from Marconi. The Kingz had shown glimpses of something better in picking up their first point with a 2-2 draw with Sydney Olympic a week earlier.

That momentum carried them through on Sunday.

That, and the improved form shown by key players. After disappointing efforts last season, captain Chris Jackson and fellow midfielders Jeff Campbell and Mark Burton have returned to something closer to their very best form.

That, and the solid work being done by Australian defender John Tambouras, Chilean Mauro Donoso, goalkeepers Michael Utting and Ross Nicholson and Jason Rowley have provided the platform from which the Kingz will look to launch themselves into play-off contention.

That is still a long shot but given the return to goalscoring form of five in two games hope lives eternal.

Sunday's trip to South Melbourne will be a decisive test. Get over that one and, who knows?