Allen says Muta’s red card cost them match

By PARKER TAMBUA
HEKARI United coach Jerry Allen says veteran midfielder David Muta’s red card was the turning point that cost his side the match in their 1-2 loss to Eastern Suburbs at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Sunday.
Allen said after the match that they needed to be more disciplined in top-level tournaments like the Oceania Football Confederation Champions League.
But he said his men would regroup and focus on their match tomorrow against defending champions Hienghene Sport who were stunned 1-4 by Galaxy on Sunday.
“One important part of our game that we really need to improve on is our finishes,” Allen said.
“Our forwards lack good finishes and we have to fix that ahead of our next game.
“Generally, we played well against Eastern Suburbs but the turning point was David’s red card.
“I think the call was a little unfair.
“But if David was still out there, I think we should have been alright.
“We were down to 10 men and we had to defend hard but credit to Eastern Suburbs, they are a well-organised side.”
Allen said there would be a few changes in Hekari’s line-up for the Hienghene fixture but he didn’t reveal who was going to replace Muta.
Meanwhile, New Caledonia’s Hienghene will be under pressure as their title defence hangs in the balance.
The match is shaping as a crucial one for the two teams as they look to keep their quarterfinal hopes alive.