City sink hosts Hekari

A GOAL by Jacob Sabua saw Lae City edge Hekari United 1-0 in the top-of-the-table grudge match in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League on Saturday in Port Moresby.
The round-12 clash featured the return of former City players Raymond Gunemba and Nigel Dabinyaba starting for Hekari against the club they helped win multiple titles with.
City, under the guidance of skipper Emmanuel Simon in the midfield and Alwin Komolong marshalling the Morobe side’s defence proved a difficult combination for Hekari to get past.
Felix Komolong’s move into midfield for City alongside Simon also boosted their play with the pair setting an early opportunity for forward Sabua to find the back of the net three minutes in.
The match seesawed with Hekari’s Kolu Kepo, Gunemba and Michael Foster all taking shots on goal but with no success.
Hekari started the second half on the front foot with veteran midfielder David Muta and Dabinyaba surging through for attempts at goal however a resilient City defence proved equal to the task with City goal keeper Roland Warison stepping up for his team.
Drama would ensue in the second half after Hekari goalkeeper Ismael Pole was sent off with for a professional foul on Sabua leaving Hekari to finish with 10 players.
City coach Bob Morris said his side had prepared well for the Hekari match with a strong emphasis on defence.
“I thought our defence was really good and our defence won this game,” he said.
“I have the best team so far in this competition and I believe in all my players.”