Clash of the unbeatens

By JACK AMI
TOWN and country rivalry will be the theme as Port Moresby United take on village-based outfit Central United in round three of the National Soccer League Southern Conference tomorrow.
Both sides are unbeaten and head into the 3pm fixture at the PNG Football Stadium with two wins apiece and form a top three of the conference with Hekari United.
Port Moresby, sponsored by NCD Governor Powes Parkop, have so far beaten Eastern Stars and Star Mountains while Central, from the Rigo coast, have seen off Gulf Komara and Southern Strikers.
Central have been the surprise of the conference so far to matching it with their more experienced city rivals and are expected to pose Port Moresby problems with their high tempo style.
“Our boys know they just pulled through against the Strikers last week so they have to lift,” Central manager Kamo Kini said.
“Our forwards have to be on target if we want win as our midfield and backs have been turning up.”
Kini made particular mention of the experienced Tau Nius, who has been the mainstay at the back providing leadership for youngsters Kawai Vakona and Naime Reggi.
The reliable Rohan Roga, who was red-carded after two cautions in the NSL opener against Komara, is expected to return after sitting out last week’s match.
Patrick Nota and Sebastian Kopi will man the Central midfield with the help of flankers Philadelphia Vela and Kila Renagi.
Central are hoping striker Opu Karo can find form after a quiet outing against the Strikers while Rualamo Geno, who provided the winner lasy week, is hungry for more opportunities. Rd 3 Fixtures: Sat, Feb 9 – Southern Conference: 11am Star Mountain v Eastern Stars, 1pm Bougainville v Gulf Komara, 3pm Port Moresby v Central, 5pm Strikers v Hekari.