Dabinyaba hat-trick lifts Reds

 By HENRY MORABANG

HEKARI United wing Nigel Dabinyaba scored a hat-trick in their  5-0 rout of Admiralty in the National Soccer League at the Bisini Soccer Oval on Saturday.

The former Lae Poro and Besta United striker showed class, beating the Admiralty defence with ease to score and consolidate his position for the Golden Boot and the K10,000 prize money that goes with it.

The game was not easy as referee Hilary Ani was busy shuffling his red and yellow cards to ensure the games was played by the rules.

Admiralty was worst hit as skipper Michael Foster was sent off for an early shower, while Roniel Igens, Rodney Talau (Admiralty) and Pita Bolaitoga, Tuimasi Manuca (Hekari) were cautioned to keep their cool.

Hekari wasted no time, with Dabinyaba scoring inside 10 minutes before Kila Polen pounced on a deflected ball to shoot home from 25m for the goal of the afternoon and Dabinyaba picked up his second in the 30th minute.

In the second half, the game was tight as Admriatly almost scored but good thinking by Hekari goalkeeper Ishmael Pole denied them the goals,  while Dabinyaba picked up his third goal of the afternoon before veteran Kema Jack sealed the match in the 81st minute.

Full time: Nigel Dabinyaba 10, 30, 76, Kila Polena 24, Kema Jack 81 Hekari 5-Admiralty 0. HT 3-0

In the second match, Oro grabbed second spot from Gigira Laitepo with a strong 3-2 finish against Eastern Stars. 

The Joe Turia coached-side came from behind 2-0 at half time to romp home at full time for a well deserved victory.

The Oro boys have proven that they are the team to watch in the finals, and their likely opponent is Gigira Laitepo in the semi-finals. 

Gigira were on a bye last weekend and will play Hekari United in their last match this weekend at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae.

In the NSL matched played in the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium, Lae consolidate their third position with a 3-0 win over young Besta side 

The finals format will see, Hekari versus Besta in the first semi, while the second semi will see Oro taking on Gigira.