City claim minor title

By ROBINSON LEKA
LAE City were crowned Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League minor premiers after a goalless draw with Vitiaz United in the last round of the regular season in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The return of City’s Ecuadorian forward Icaza Gustine and defender Alwin Komolong saw an uneventful match in the final round of the regular season at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium.
Under skipper Eliud Fugre, Vitiaz provided an even contest for City with goalkeeper Russel Chris and Joshua Talau leading their defence.
City head coach Bob Morris said it was a satisfactory performance from the defending champions.
“I’m happy that the boys kept their composure throughout the match and our defence was good,” Morris said.
“Ball possession was one area that we lacked and we gave away too many turnovers but Vitiaz gave us a good challenge.
“We’ve seen our weaknesses and we’re going to go back and work on them.”
Morris commended the third-placed Vitiaz for a strong campaign in their rookie season.
City finished the regular season with 43 points, one more than second-placed Hekari United.
Vitiaz finished third with 37 points. Results: Sat, Sept 26 — Bougainville 4 Morobe Wawens 1, Tusbab Stallions 0 Hekari United 3, Star Mountain 0 Gulf Komara 5, Vitiaz United 0 Lae City 0, Kutubu 2 Morobe United 3.