Bara beat Hamatana 4-0

By LARRY ANDREW
A NENNY Elipas hat-trick helped Northern Conference champions Bara shut out New Guinea Islands runners-up Hamatana 4-0 in their Women’s National Soccer League quarterfinal on Saturday.
But it was not an easy win for the Lae Biscuit Company-sponsored hosts at the Papua New Guinea Football Association Education Centre at 11-Mile outside the Morobe capital.
Bara got past Hamatana’s defence of Vincelyne Rabi, Kylie Hogen, Viviana Tihin and Blantina Lackman as captain Jenisa Ulengit put a through ball from outside the penalty area for Elipas’ first goal 21 minutes in.
Ulengit was at her best again as she set up Elipas for her second goal seconds from halftime.
Coach Susan Watpore’s Bara had a number of scoring opportunities, but Hamatana goalkeeper Georgina Silik was at her best as she saved several attempts on goal.
The game intensified as midfielder Eunice Nabalu set up substitute Renee Thomas whose effort deflected off Silik and found Elipas to score her third goal.
Kayleen Robin switched from defence to assist Thomas and Elipas in attack as the youngster sealed the win with Bara’s fourth and final goal in the 85th minute.
Watpore said she was happy with the win, but conceded that her side need to work on their finishing.
“We’ll look to fix this area during training,” she said.
“We’ll also polish up on our defence for the semifinals.
“Our midfield was below par at times, so we need to get our midfielders to coordinate well to distribute possession for our strikers.
“But all in all, I have faith in my players to reach the grand final.”
Hamatana coach Aloysius Tapie said he was happy about the efforts of his side, which boasted just four senior players, with the rest being rookies in the league.
“This is their first time to come out of the region to play,” he said.
“It is also my first time to take this young team out.
“It is a family team as it is made up off siblings, nieces and two in-laws.
“We played a better side, but it’s all about gaining experience.
“Our focus now is to plan for the next season as we had a short campaign.
“We will work hard and come back stronger to face the Lae and Port Moresby sides next season.”