Double-header to hit city

 THE National Soccer League returns to the Correctional Service Training Oval at Bomana tomorrow, when Hekari United take on Admiralty and Port Moresby face Oro in an exciting double-header.

In Madang, Lae City Dwellers will take on hosts Madang for the first time this season, while Besta United have the bye.

After a surprise 1-0 loss to Oro last week, Admiralty will need to lift their game by several notches to compete with the nine-time premiers or risk being thrashed.

Admiralty captain Michael Foster faces off against brother Ari, Simon Emmanuel and captain David Muta in a midfield clash that will decide the fate of the Manus provincial government-sponsored side, as the competition hits its fourth outing.  

As a former Hekari player, Foster has some inside knowledge on the Reds but the lack of class in his side can hurt him.

Hekari are expected to win this match but complacence could be an issue.

Reds coach Jerry Allen and distributors Muta and Emmanuel will need to keep the talent-rich champions from going to sleep on the job and post a win.

The main game will see Oro take on Port Moresby in a contest that sees the two sides going all-out, with the city side desperate to record their first win of the season.

Oro coach Joe Turia is counting on his midfield duo from Morobe, Jacob Sabua and Kohu Liam, to pry open the Port Moresby defence and set up scoring opportunities for his side.

Sabua, a 22-year-old former Morobe United midfielder, joined Oro this season and has given the side more structure in their middle. 

Sabua started his NSL career with Besta before joining the Morobe last year.

Port Moresby, however, have been dubbed the sleeping giants of the competition and the side most likely to take the crown off perennial champions Hekari.

Despite their hiccup against Madang last week, Port Moresby are considered a better side then they were two years ago and are expected to see off Oro.

Arneil Passam and Aaron Sexton hold the key for victory for the Robert Popat-coached team. 

Both men played brilliantly last week against Madang but had the misfortune of coming up against a determined side.

Striker Neil Hans is a danger in the box, so Oro need to cut down his time and space.

Madang have the home ground advantage and are expected to provide Lae City with a stern test at Lawaiden Oval.

Madang’s enthusiasm and pluck could see the Flying Foxes shock their Morobe cousins in another competitive outing.