Crowd abuses mar United win in NSL
By HENRY MORABANG
MINOR premiers Hekari United’s march to the NSL grand final was marred by abuses hurled at match officials on Saturday at Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby.
As the semi-final game between United and Morobe Kumuls ended, Kumuls fullback Cyril Muta confronted referee Job Minan an assaulted him which incited near fist-fights between NSL security guards and disgruntled Kumul officials including club patron Police Commissioner Gary Baki.
However, Nothing must be taken away from referee Minan who performed well to control the match between the two teams.
United beat Morobe Kumuls 3-1 while in the other semi-final Gelle Hills were too good for Inspac Rapatona winning 3-0.
Both semi finals finish on a high note except for the confrontation between Kumuls officials and match officials.
United fielded a strong side which included skipper Eric Komeng until red carded, David Muta, Enoch Abraham and Benjamin Mela in the midfield while in the backline Jacob Pekau and Brian Tuhiana stood out.
In the frontline, Kema Jack partnered young Barnabas who provided good support for the team.
Kumuls also did the same by fielding a strong side in skipper Ken Gule, Richard Daniel, Raymond Gunemba, Michael Foster, Roniel Igins, Fabian Bagi and Clifford Wate
The match was played cautiously due to the slippery condition. United finally got the score on the board when striker Kema Jack bulleted a ball from a penalty into the net put his team in front.
Kumuls played better with more coordination but they were let down by their strikers.
Striker Wate had the opportunity in the 35th minute to level the score but he pushed the ball over the crossbar.
United led 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, Morobe Kumuls mobilised to see striker flanker Fabian Bagi levelling the score 1-1.
United sensing that Kumuls were back into the game started playing long balls into their opponent’s territory and putting pressure on them.
In one of such moves, referee Minan penalised Kumuls Cyril Muta for a handball. And Kema Jack scored his second for the afternoon to put him the outright winner of the golden boot award for this season.
Kumuls with their never-say-die attitude fought back strongly with Clifford Wate missing two easy headers and a placing for possible victory.
United also never gave up when David Muta who won the ball and beat his own brother Cyril Muta and the goalkeeper to push the ball into the net to cushion their 3-1 victory.
Sports Stories