Eddie helps Southern Youth edge fellow debutants Tavur

A NATHANIEL Eddie double helped Southern Youth beat fellow newcomers Tavur 2-1 in the first round of the National Soccer League (NSL) in Port Moresby on Saturday.
The main match in the Southern Conference triple-header at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium saw Youth take control early with striker Eddie and Jalam Millisi breaching Tavur’s defence for attempts on goal.
Eddie opened the scoring 10 minutes in against a rather quiet Tavur backline, but it was the only first-half goal with Tavur resolute through Cyril Roka and Adolf Membu.
Tavur had a chance equalise after the break with a free kick to Alex Kim, but the forward had his effort saved by Youth goalkeeper Raka Karo.
A strong attack saw Tavur dominate possession in the second half, but their execution was poor as Eddie found space to net his second goal off a great counter-attacking move.
Tavur’s resilience in attack saw Melky Kaiwa grab his side’s first NSL goal 10 minutes from fulltime, but Youth held on for the win.
Youth coach Mathew Witu said his side were made up of development players from Koupa, Tabubil and Port Moresby.
“We don’t have the players and technicality to dominate matches at this level.”
“We’re an initiative of the PNG Football Association (PNGFA) and we will try to get the basics right one game at a time.”