City edge Tusbab, Vitiaz stun Morobe

Sports

By LARRY ANDREW
LAE City got their title defence off to a good start with a 1-0 defeat of Tusbab Stallions in Madang while Vitiaz United registered their first Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League (NSL) win with a 2-1 victory against Morobe United at in Lae on Saturday.
The match was seen by some as a ‘mate against mate’ fixture as most of the Vitiaz players are former Morobe United players with a few from Morobe Wawens.
The match was untidy in the first half as both teams tried to settle in to find their combinations.
But as the game wore on, players from both sides began to attack and defend well.
With Emmanuel Simongi and Freddy Steven controlling the midfield, home side Morobe found good field position to see Giwi Simon scoring the first goal a minute into the game.
The Jack Jonathan-coached side dominated after the opener but veteran Eliude Fugre scored the equaliser in the 14th minute.
The match seesawed until the 41st minute when Vitiaz striker Russel Nirik added the visitor’s second goal to surge ahead 2-1.
The second half was an even tussle with both clubs bringing out their best to penetrate each other’s defence but could not convert the opportunities into goals.
Team manager Rogena Pelei told The National that Vitiaz were quietly confident and were looking forward to playing Morobe.
“It’s our first time in the NSL and we are a Port Moresby-based team made up of a lot of Lae boys,” Pelei said.
“I’m really excited. We knew it was going be a tough game because most of our men are former Morobe United players.
“We knew it was going to be very aggressive.
“We expected that but so we reminded our players to stay disciplined and focused.
“They did not give in whatever was happening around them. I’m very proud of the boys.”
Vitiaz 2 (Eliude Fugre 14, Russel Nirik 41) Morobe 1 (Giwi Simon 1) HT: 2-1 (Vitiaz) at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Lae.