Ricki Herbert of the Knights is all smiles after last night's victory. Photo / Getty images
Coach Ricki Herbert believes the New Zealand Knights's latest performance has signalled their value to soccer's A-League competition.
Bottom-of-the-table and with their future shrouded in uncertainty, the Knights shocked playoff contenders Queensland 3-1 in Auckland last night.
It was Herbert's second match at the helm since he took
over after Football Federation Australia revoked the licence held by the club's previous owners.
He said that, when he agreed to coach the team until the end of the season, his view was "there better be a franchise next year" in New Zealand.
He hoped last night's victory -- which marked the first time the Knights had scored three goals in a match in the league's two-year history -- would help to ensure that was the case.
"Hopefully it's going to signal through the league that a team based in New Zealand can be competitive and can add some value to the competition," he said.
"Yes, it's only one game and we've got three more to go and who knows what will happen there, but I think we shown what's possible and that was important."
The Knights put aside their off-field upheaval of the past fortnight to turn on their best display of the season and grab just their third win of the campaign.
The result was a blow to Queensland, who had begun the night just one point outside the top four. They also now have the dubious distinction of having lost twice to the Knights this season.
Captain Darren Bazeley described the Knights' performance as "top drawer", adding that the players, with nothing to lose, had gone out to try to enjoy themselves and "play with a smile on our face".
"There was an attitude in the changing room like there had been towards the end of the training week of 'let's play'," he said.
"Let's take on a lot of responsibility on the ball and try to play with no fear."
- NZPA
