Soccer: Unbeaten Knights in semifinals hunt

Buoyed by a three-match unbeaten run, the Knights head to Adelaide for a Friday night clash which could seal a place in the semifinals of the A-League's Pre-Season Cup.

Against the odds, but deservedly, the Knights stole the first points from defending league champions Sydney FC in an enterprising 0-0 draw at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday.

Sydney, also unbeaten and with seven points from two wins and a draw, head pool B from the Knights (3) and Newcastle Jets and Queensland Roar (2). The Jets and the Roar also played out a scoreless round three draw.

The focus is now on this weekend's bonus round in which teams play a crossover match with a side from the other pool. Bonus points will be awarded for goals scored with one extra point for two goals, two for three goals and three for four or more.

Given the paucity of goals thus far in the competition, bonus points will be at a premium but might also encourage teams to shed the shackles.

While even their most ardent supporters will admit there is still some way to go, there is no doubt the 2006-2007 version of the Knights is a step or three up from the mob who turned out for the inaugural season.

There is a real feel of wanting to get a job done.

There was no sign of being over-awed by the star-studded Sydney side. A draw was a fair reflection of the relative efforts of both sides although new Sydney coach Terry Butcher was far from happy by his team's effort and spent a few minutes telling them so behind a locked dressing-room door after the game.

"That's exactly what we want to do," said Knights coach Paul Nevin. "We want to make this [North Harbour Stadium] a difficult place to come to. Sure, an issue with the refereeing in the second half did not help but if you hang in there you can make it difficult."

Captain Darren Bazeley acknowledged the change in attitude.

"We have come together better as a team. We have an honest and hard- working bunch of players with some ability. I'm very excited with what I have seen."

He should be.

In new players such as Dani Rodrigues, Jonas Salley, Greg Duruz, Jonti Richter, Malik Buari and Sime Kovacevic, the Knights have quickly shown they have the talent to compete.

Butcher was forced to admit the home side "made it very difficult for us. They could have scored in the first and last minutes. This is the first time we haven't scored this season."

Rodrigues had that early chance but his attempt took the underside of the crossbar and stayed out. Late substitute Sean Devine had the stoppage time opportunity but was denied by goalkeeper Clint Bolton.

The visitors created half chances but found no charity in a gritty Knights defensive effort.