Admiralty hold Morobe United to 1-1 stalemate

 ADMIRALTY cannot be discounted as contenders for the National Soccer League’s Northern Conference’s top two after a 1-1 draw with Morobe United at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae on Saturday.  

The Manus side kept their pre-Christmas form, with Sosogan Poliap, Shane Sakael, Lote Richard and Lahai William playing well to steer the side to a draw against the more established Welgris-sponsored side.

Morobe veteran Clement Peka led a capable side with Kepas Kamen, Richy Biaro and Peter Yang at his disposal but they could not mount enough pressure on the Admiralty line to trouble the islanders. Compounding the situation, an injured Peka had to be replaced early in the second half by Jethro Anderson.   

Admiralty defenders Agi Moses and Kauton Pangi did well to keep out the Morobe front line as well as wily mid-fielder Eliuda Fugre. 

Admiralty were first to score through Naijel Yohang 22 minutes into the match and held a 1-0 lead at halftime but Morobe equalised 10 minutes into the second half through Begen Yanum. 

Admiralty coach Peter Sakael said the draw was a good enough start to the second part of the regular season. 

“All the sides we play in the NSL are strong and getting through will not be easy,” Sakael said.

“We’re not taking anything for granted. We’re happy with the result but there is still more to do.”

Morobe coach Jack Jonathan said his side took a while to get into the game and Admiralty surprised them