City, Hekari maintain spots

LADDER leaders Lae City and Hekari United consolidated their top-two spots after round-17 wins in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League in Port Moresby on Saturday.
City survived a second-half scare from Star Mountain to win 2-1 with the defending premiers almost certain to seal minor honours in the final round of the regular season on Saturday.
City’s Emmanuel Airem opened the scoring 20 minutes in but Star Mountain stepped up in defence to deny the visitors further scoring opportunities until halftime.
Star Mountain pulled themselves back into the match when forward Pettyshen Elizah scored the second-half equaliser with Tau Winnie and Riggie Togubai also threatening to score.
But City’s Jacob Sabua pounced on poor Star Mountain defence to score the winner.
“We came here with one aim and that was to win this game as we inch closer to the minor premiership,” City coach Bob Morris said.
“We fought hard to score the winner and I’m happy with my players.”
Meanwhile, Hekari beat Morobe United 3-1.
Former City defender Valentine Nelson scored an own-goal for visitors Morobe to trail 0-1 at halftime.
Forward Nigel Dabinyaba and substitute Joseph Joe bagged a goal each to extend Hekari’s lead before Morobe’s Dominic Onea scored a late consolation goal.
“I congratulate my players for the win but we have a lot of areas that we have to work on,” Hekari manager Vonnie Kapi Natto.
“Heading into the finals, we have to work harder but I’m thankful that we made it through to the playoffs.”