Central United look to cement Southern playoff spot

CENTRAL United face their ultimate litmus test in their Round 10 Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League Southern Conference clash against Hekari United tomorrow.
Third-placed Central (17 points) lost to Hekari 2-0 in their first clash (Rd 7) but have good form over their last three games — including a 3-3 draw with Star Mountain — giving them confidence they can pull off an upset. Central (5 wins, 3 losses, 2 draws) need a draw at the Sir John Guise Stadium to cement their playoff spot and coach Kila Babaga will need to out think his rival Jerry Allan in terms of tactics and strategy.
Central will need to contain Hekari midfielder Jonah Phillip who has been the catalyst for Hekari’s offence all season while vice-captain Koriak Upaiga has found form as a scorer to require close defensive attention.
With Hekari’s talismanic leaderDavid Muta still out with a knee injury, Kepo brothers Ati and Freddy will need to provide the playmaking support for Phillip and Upaiga.
Allan said Central would rise to the challenge and expected another close but competitive clash.
Fixtures: Sat, April 13 – Star Mountain v Komara, Strikers v Eastern Star, Central v Hekari, Port Moresby v Bougainville. Standings: Hekari (30), Port Moresby (20), Central (17), Komara (13), Bougainville (13), Eastern Stars (12), Strikers (6), Star Mountain (3).