By HENRY MORABANG
SUPER substitutes Percy Mataio and evergreen Selan Elijah came off the bench at the right time to help Inspac Rapatona to win its first away National Soccer League (NSL) game against Madang Fox 4-0 at Laiwaden Oval on Sunday.
The Milne Bay man spend only two minutes into the final half after scoring Rapatona’s second goal and was replaced due to arm-string injury while the old workhorse weaved his way through half-hearted Fox defence to score the final goal.
Rapatona were leading 1-nil when fullback Elijah “Kay Boy” Sigimata joined the attack which confused the Madang defence to score the goal in the 30th minute of play in the first half.
Manus trainer Cafu Clement Anisan said his boys played very well against Madang Fox in front of a good vocal crowd.
In the opening 20 minutes, Madang Fox tightened their defence and gave Rapatona something to think about until Sigamata scored first goal of the afternoon.
The goal really inspired the Port Moresby team to lift their performance and defended the lead until first half.
In the second half, trainer Cafu made some changes to bring in Mataio and Selan. His timely substitute paid dividend for the team.
Mataio who had a brief stint scored the team second goal and was replaced after he pulled his arm-string
The third goal came from Solomon Islander Lawrence Diau who connected a good cross from Chique Posman to cushion their lead.
It was not long when Elijah put the icing on cake with his brilliant footwork when he weaved his way through Madang Fox defence to seal the match 4-0.
Cafu said he was pleased with the performance of his boys after they stuck together to deliver the goods for their franchise.
“It was unfortunate coach Kisakiu Posman was not around and I had to step in as acting coach and trainer for the team,” the elated Cafu said.
Madang coach Bob Morris is disappointed with the result as they were expecting to win in front of their home crowd.
NSL chairman John Kapi Natto clarified the awarding system that the winner collects three points and loser gets nil while the team that drew one.
There is no point awarded to teams on bye.