Admiralty size up Lae

By HENRY MORABANG

MOROBE United face Admiralty for the second time this season, this time at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae tomorrow.
The first time the two sides met ended in a 2-2 draw in Port Moresby in the opening week of the Telikom National Soccer League.
The Morobe-Admiralty game is the opening match of a the double header which should attract a bumper crowd.
The other match sees Lae take on Oro in a replay of their first round encounter which Lae won 1-0.
In Port Moresby, Hekari host Besta PNG United in a grudge match as the last time they played, in Lae, there were allegations of spectator intimidation made by the Hekari camp. 
Morobe will rely on their Madang imports Vanya Malagian, Max Sengum and Jamal Seeto to lead.
They will be assisted by midfielders Jacob Sabua and Eliuda Fugre as they go up against their fellow Morobeens in Admiralty’s Michael Foster and Roniel Igens.
Admiralty enter this match fresh from a bye last weekend.
The Manus franchise will be buoyed at having Solomon Islands legend Batram Suri on their staff.
The 42-year-old’s experience and technical expertise will be guiding influence throughout the season.
Elusive striker Moffat Kalifa is the man to watch.
The Solomon Islander will work in tandem with Mark Gobono in the front line.
In the main game, Oro will be hoping their solid form over the first four rounds, and in particular their last round performance in stunning Morobe 2-0 in Port Moresby, puts them in good stead for the challenge posed by Lae.
Fielding an experienced side led by midfielders Leana Kila and Max Mende, Oro will not be easy to beat even for the home side.
Striker  Gary Moka is working himself into good form and if Oro’s middle men can supply him enough quality ball, Lae may find themselves in trouble.
Lae midfielder Emmanuel Simon has to take charge and set the pace for his side. Kohu Liem is another key player for Lae while strikers Clement Peka and Emmanuel Yawi can be a handful when they have their minds on the job.
Lae’s central defender Goroba Tawa will shore up the defences with the support of Japhet Tiampo, Carlos Peka, Troy Gunemba and goalkeeper Matteson Nasa.
Eastern Stars have the bye.