Champs see off United

By LARRY ANDREW
TWO second-half goals by defending National Soccer League champions Toti City were enough to see off Morobe United 3-1 in the opening fixture of the Northern Conference in Lae yesterday.
In the first game of the triple header at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, newcomers Markham and Lahi played out a scoreless encounter.
In the second clash, Besta PNG United stopped Morobe Wawens 4-3 to register three points and get their campaign off to a good start.
In Madang, Tusbab Stallions edged Laiwaden 1-0.
The main game of the conference between City and United was kicked off by the Papua New Guinea Football Association president John Kapi Natto.
With the heat taking its toll in the Morobe capital, both teams enjoyed a fair share of possession early in the match.
But the Peter Gunemba-coached City soon found the net through striker Nigel Dabinyaba, thanks to some fine lead-up work by captain Raymond Gunemba and Jacob Sabua.
City managed to defend their 1-0 lead heading into the break.
Gunemba’s charges added two more goals after the break.
City’s second goal came when United goalkeeper Vagi Koniel deflected the ball from the goal but Emmanuel Simon was on the spot to secure a simple finish.
The third goal came when replacement Obert Bika, coming on for Emmanuel Airem, belted the ball past Koniel.
United tried their best to penetrate City’s defence and their hard work paid off, with Joshua Oscar setting up Jordan Tobem to beat City goalkeeper Ronald Warisan, who dived the wrong way.
Result: Toti City 3 (Nigel Dabinyaba, Emmanuel Simon, Obert Bika) Morobe United 1 (Jordan Tobem) HT: 1-0 (Toti) at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Lae.