Aisa helps Strikers move to third spot in NSL conference

A PATRICK Aisa second-half goal helped Port Moresby Strikers beat Central Dabaris 1-0 in round seven of the National Soccer League Southern Conference at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium on Saturday.
Both sides had numerous opportunities to score but they were off the mark, ending the first half scoreless. An intense second half saw Strikers defenders doubling their efforts to keep the Dabaris at bay before skipper Aisa netted the winner.
Strikers head coach Philemon Tamari commended the Dabaris for giving them a great challenge.
“They came prepared so it wasn’t an easy game, we knew it was going to be tough,” he said. “I was a bit disappointed with my boys, we could have put the game away easily.
“We had clear chances in the first half that we could have converted but we didn’t and in the second half, all our crosses went straight to the keeper.
“But I commend our back four who held on really well for us.
“There was a late surge by Central but my men were resolute.
“Most importantly is the three points which now move us up to third place.
“The good thing for us is we had a goal to reach the top-four in this first half of the season and we did that.”