Bougainville go down to Wawens in Lae

By LARRY ANDREW
MOROBE Wawens recorded their second win of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League season on Saturday beating visitors Bougainville 3-2, in the first game of a triple header at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.
Coach Bob Morris took the risk of fielding a mostly new side and they did not disappoint him as they put on an impressive first half before having the poise to clinch the match winner in the second half.
Wawens’ Cedar Steven, Sombo Goro and Barthy Kerobin stood out for the Morobe side with Goro scoring the opening goal in the 16th minute for a 1-0 lead.
With a track the match seesawed with both sides having chances at goal but it was the home side who took a late chance and converted it to a goal through Kerobin for a 2-0 lead.
Wawens let in a goal before the half time whistle to head into the break 2-1 ahead.
The game’s tempo rose in the second half with both sides getting more physical on defence.
A Kerobin cross found Teddy Tommy who shot it past the hand of Bougainville goalkeeper Andrew Banian Jr in the 74th minute.
Bougainville, to their credit never gave up with Jonathan Allen, Greg Togusai, Arneil Passam, Robert Kenake and Tyran Toiwa picking up their attack.
That pressure resulted in a goal to the Bougainville men through Donatus Bandi. Morris said after back-to-back losses to the competition’s top two sides it was good to finally post a win.
Bougainville coach David Passam said his side had enough possession and chances to score but could not convert them.