By HENRY MORABANG
HEKARI United grabbed the minor premiership after their 1-0 victory over Inspac Rapatona at the Telikom-sponsored National Soccer League match in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The United and Rapatona clash was the main game of the double header matches played at the weekend while in the early game; Gelle Hills came from behind to down Welgris Highlanders 2-1.
In Lae, down 1-0 in the opening half, Morobe Kumuls steamrolled their neighboring Momase team, Madang Fox 6-1.
After last weekend’s game, the competition ladder remain unchanged as Hekari scooped up the minor premiership title followed by Gelle Hills and Kumuls while the fourth position is still up for grabs.
Two teams vying for the position are Welgris Highlanders and Inspac Rapatona – both lost their matches over the weekend.
Rapatona are counting on Madang Besta Fighters to beat Welgris Highlanders next week, otherwise, the Manusians will call it the season.
The United and Rapatona match was well controlled by recalled FIFA referee Gidas Bayung from Lahi Soccer Association.
Both side put up a good defensive game allowing either side little room to maneuver and score goals.
Rapatona have several chances through striker Percy Mataio but Hekari defenders in Jacob Pekau, Brian Tuhiana, Tasola Niebo and Misty Andrew had to denied them from scoring.
Goalkeeper-cum-striker Tapas Posman played brilliantly upfront distracting United defence with his speed and off course his power strike which caught many soccer followers by surprise.
United, on the other hand, played good attacking football with midfielder Eric Komeng dictating play. He was upported by his skipper Andrew Lepani.
It was a scoreless opening half.
In the second half, both teams started probing into other territory until United had the opportunity through Benjamin Mela who sailed the ball to find Andrew Lepani’s head for the only goal of the afternoon.