Besta put on show as Oro upset Morobe

 By LARRY ANDREW

BESTA PNG United ended a three-match losing with a 4-0 pasting of the Eastern Stars while Oro shrugged off Morobe United 2-0 in the Telikom National Soccer League’s double header at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae on Saturday.

The  PNGFA Academy side, who had llost several talents to local rivals Morobe and Lae in the pre-season, put on a performance that belied their years.

Playing a more structured style Besta found the net in the 14th minute with a Papalam Awele strike to go to put his side in front 1-0.

Striker Tommy Sammy pushed one past Stars goalkeeper Paul Peter to extend his side’s lead to 2-0.

The Milne Bay side started the second half with more intent as Patrick Aisa, Manis Forova and Rodney Mobiha pulled out all the stops in search of a response.

Their efforts though came to nought as Besta’s inspired defence held firm.

Young keeper Vagi Koniel pulled off several good saves to deny the visitors any traction on the scoreboard.

Besta sealed the match with a brace of goals by Emmanuel Airem in the 69th and 89th minute to give his side their first win of the season.

Besta coach Bob Morris although pleased with the result was cautious saying that there were still many areas that needed improvement but the team was making good progress.

The main match of the double header was a different story as Oro capitalised on a lacklustre performance by the Gigira Laitepo-sponsored Morobe United to claim a morale-boosting 2-0 win.

Oro’s Leana Geno scored the first goal from a penalty inside the box after Jeremy Yasasa was booked for a foul.  

Oro held that lead at halftime as an increasingly frustrated homeside looked for a reply.

Captain Gari Moka scored the winner in the 54th minute of a match that was riddled with many penalties as Morobe ran out of ideas and steam to breach a committed Oro defensive line.

The win sees Oro share third spot on the ladder with seven points, four behind leaders Hekari on 11. 

The other sides with seven points are Morobe and Lae.