Elizah netts late goal to help Strikers get first win

PETTYSHEN Elizah scored a late goal to help Port Moresby Strikers grab their first win of the National Soccer League season with a 2-1 victory against Star Mountain on Saturday.
The second round-three clash of the Southern Conference triple-header at the Papua New Guinea Football Stadium saw an even contest in the first half.
But Star Mountain then took command with skipper Zebedee Matang and centre-back Nathan Romas dictating play.
Continued pressure on the Strikers’ backline saw forward David Mosim score Star Mountain’s first and only goal of the match, bringing the scoreline to 1-0 at halftime.
Strikers returned in the second half with brothers Gregory and Riggie Togubai controlling play in the midfield with the latter finding the back of the net in the 65th minute.
The match turned into a seesaw with Star Mountain desperate to get in front through Mosim and Strikers forward Bruce Tiampo had scoring chances on several occasions failed to convert them into goals.
The turning point came in the last 15 minutes as Elizah forced Star Mountain custodian Katau Albert off his goalline and dribbled passed the goalkeeper to score the winner.
Strikers coach Philemon Tamari said the win came off the back of their second-half composure.
“Considering that we have a young team, it takes a lot maturity in their game to be patient with what we need to do and remain focused,” he told The National.
“Importantly, we played our own style of football when we were holding the ball and capitalised on our chances.”