Soccer: Chance to score home win

The New Zealand Knights have only two chances to deliver on coach John Adshead's hope to give fans a win at home.

The first chance to crack it comes tonight when they play an equally desperate Perth Glory at North Harbour Stadium.

For the visitors it is a game they must win to keep their top four playoff hopes alive.

Adshead would like nothing better than to end those aspirations. The remaining home game, on January 28, is against minor league champions Adelaide United.

"We dominated two-thirds of the last game we played against Perth here and got nothing out of it," said Adshead of the heart-breaking 1-0 loss in September. "Over there we were well beaten [3-0]."

The Knights, long ago out of contention, have nevertheless battled well in recent weeks. Nothing pretty but at least some signs that they can make life difficult for teams chasing spots in the grand final.

"In the last six weeks we have been within a goal of the opposition up to 88 minutes," said Adshead. "But we have been cruelly punished. It is not a fitness thing but it certainly has not been easy to watch.

"It was the same story last week. We were still in the game at 88 minutes then again we were left to wonder 'why us'?"

Adshead's preparation for tonight's game has that all-too-familiar ring to it as he struggles to find 15 fully fit players.

Out are Naoki Imaya, Josh Rose, Danny Milosevic and Steve Fitzsimmons (injured) and Sean Devine (suspended). In doubt because of injury are Cole Tinkler, Frank Van Eijs and Ben Collett.

Kris Bright is certain to again start and continue his chase for that elusive first Hyundai A-League goal.

"That is not a concern," said Adshead. "We feel more for him than he probably feels for himself. He has done well as a target man. I'm sure he will break his duck soon."

Adshead admits tonight's game presents some problems.

"We have sat down and had a look at their likely side and tried to plan certain things," said Adshead. "There is also the Danny Hay factor.

"I'm sure he will start. Danny knows us and Perth will get a lot of information from him which means we will have to tweak things. We also have to be aware of his ability at set play."

Like the Knights, Perth have to bounce back from a last-round defeat after going down 2-1 at home to Adelaide United.

Touted, along with Sydney FC, as the team to beat in the inaugural A-League season, the West Australians have yet to deliver on that promise.

Coach Alan Vest too has a number of players under an injury cloud but he will have ace goal-grabber Bobby Despotovski back after missing a couple of games through injury. Scott Miller also returns after injury but Vest is without the suspended Simon Colosimo and Billy Celeski.

Vest, who took over from departed Steve McMahon, knows just how important tonight's game is, admitting: "We need to win this game if we are to progress any further. Anything other than a victory will end Glory's hopes."

* NZ Knights v Perth Glory North Harbour Stadium, 8pm tonight

THE LINEUPS

Knights (from): Glen Moss, Darren Bazeley, John Tambouras, Neil Emblen, Ben Collett, Zenon Caravella, Cole Tinkler, Jeremy Brockie, Josh Maguire, Noah Hickey, Frank Van Eijs, Xiaobin Zhang, Jeremy Christie, Kris Bright, Sam Jasper, Roy Bell.

Perth Glory: Jason Petkovic, Jamie Harnwell, Scott Miller, Nick Ward, Bobby Despotovski, Jamie Coyne, Stuart Young, Henry Faarodo, Naum Sekulovski, Milan Jovanic, Adrian Caceres, Damian Mori, Danny Hay, Ryan Townsend, David Micevski.