City eager to cement lead as rivals continue surge

By PARKER TAMBUA
LAE City will look to maintain top spot ahead of second-placed Vitiaz United with a win over Kutubu at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in the Morobe capital tomorrow (11am kick-off).
Both sides are on 32 points but a better goal difference sees reigning Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL) champions City in pole spot with five rounds of the regular season remaining.
Third-placed Hekari United, who have the best defence in the 10-team competition, are also within reach with 29 points after round 13. Vitiaz face Hekari in Port Moresby in the match of the round.
City coach Bob Morris told The National yesterday that his side, who have the best attack in the competition, needed to maintain their scoring prowess to hold onto the lead and claim minor honours.
“Vitiaz are a very strong side and they are closing in on us so we must remain focused,” the former national men’s team coach said.
“That is what I have been telling my players.
“We must continue the momentum if we are to claim the minor premiership and give ourselves a good shot at retaining the NSL title.
“Hopefully, Vitiaz and Hekari settle for a draw to give us a clear lead.
“But for now, we can’t pin our hope on that match.
“We must focus on winning our remaining games and scoring more goals.”
Morris said his side, who have won 10 games, drawn two and lost one, would not underestimate cellar dwellers Kutubu as they were just as competitive as any other side in the country’s premier football competition.
Meanwhile, Star Mountain — who are seventh on the ladder — face the fourth-placed Tusbab Stallions in the main match of Lae’s double-header tomorrow (1pm).