City Dwellers claim NSL minor premiership

Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
THE Lae City Dwellers claimed the minor premiership of the National Soccer League after beating PS United 3-2 at the Laiwaden Oval in Madang on Saturday.
Having an unbeaten run after nine games, the Peter Gunemba-coached side have one more objective  –  to retain the NSL premiership.
“We have achieved our first goal to win the minor premiership but we have one goal in the NSL and that is to retain our title,” Gunemba said.
“We are not really over the moon about winning the minor premiership but we know it is a blessing from above.
“So we want to thank God for his guidance and protection all through our games and we dedicate the minor premiership to God.”
Lae City were put to the test by PS United in a close game but the defending champions had the last say with a Raymond Gunemba goal in the second half.
Other goals for Lae City came from midfielder Emmanuel Simon and Troy Gunemba.
The reward for minor premiership will be confirmed and announced later by the NSL board.
Lae City’s minor premiership also automatically qualifies them to participate in the OFC Club Champions League for the second time.
“This year our goal is to win the NSL title and do well in the OFC Clubs Champions League,”Gunemba added.
Meanwhile, Lae City will meet PS United again this weekend for their washed out game at the PNG Football Academy in Lae.
In the early NSL match, Besta United drew 2-2 with Buang with both sides sharing a point each.
Buang will have to win by a big margin this weekend in their washed out match against Yamaros to have a place in the top four and qualify for the finals.
The last match saw Madang holding off an eager Yamaros side 2-1 to maintain their second spot on the ladder.
Results: Besta United 2 Buang 2, Dwellers 3 PS United 2, Madang 2 Yamaros 1. Standings: Lae City Dwellers 25, Madang 19, PS United 16, Besta United 11, Buang 8, Yamaros 1.