B’ville to take on United for 2nd spot

By ISAAC LIRI
IT is going to be the battle for second place in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League Southern Conference when Port Moresby United take on Bougainville at the Sir John Guise Stadium tomorrow (5pm kick-off).
Port Moresby are in second place with 13 points and a points differential of four while Bougainville are third with 10 points and a points differential of two.
So Bougainville will need to win by more than two goals if they are to unseat the Francis Moyap-coached side.
Both sides are coming off wins and will look to maintain their form heading into the clash.
As in previous games, Port Moresby skipper Donovan Murray, pictured, will be the go-to man for Port Moresby.
His execution over the last couple of games has raised eyebrows and has been the talk of the weekend on a number of occasions.
Bougainville midfielder Basil Jofari has the experience to counter Murray’s brilliance and his direction in the middle of the park will be fundamental for the David Passam-coached team.
“We will most probably welcome back our striker Patrick Aisa, who was rested last week because he was dealing with a niggling knee injury,” Passam said.
“This weekend is a big match because Port Moresby United have shown that they are a good side so we will have to step up to the challenge.”
The other fixture in the Southern Conference will see ladder leaders Hekari United take on Central United.
Hekari should be the favourites but they won’t take Central — a side who have shown promise since the start of the competition — lightly.
Central will look to cause an upset.
Gulf Komara will be looking to bounce back into the winner’s circle after a defeat at the hands of the Eastern Stars last weekend.
But their opponents Star Mountain put on a strong performance against the Jerry Allan-coached Hekari last weekend, so this encounter will be another interesting one.
The opening match of the conference will be played between the Eastern Stars and Southern Strikers.