Fox out-hussle Gigira

MADANG Fox have sounded a mid-season warning that they are no easy meat when they upset Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC 1-0 in round four of the Telikom National Soccer League on Saturday.
In other NSL matches, reigning champions MRDC Hekari United trounced Eastern Star 3-1 in Port Moresby while the Mendi-based Petro Souths recorded their second draw this season against Besta PNG United 2-2 in Lae (separate story inside).
Speaking from Madang, president of Madang Soccer Association, Conrad Wadunah said the victory was sweet for the boys as they started off the NSL season on a disappointing note.
“We were losing fans but the victory on Saturday was sweet for the team and the people of Madang.
“The victory allowed us (team) to regain some lost pride and we hope to continue with more positive results as the NSL season marches on,” the elated Wadunah added.
Morobe had star striker Pascal Wojen but Madang’s Yama Shong was the hero of the Fox camp.
After a goalless first half, the PNG Under 20 golden boot winner Shong receive a pinpoint cross from winger Ephraim Leo 20 minutes into the second half to score the only goal of the afternoon.
Shong received able support from Frank Tulem and goalkeeper Anton Pipi, who must also be given credit for making several crucial saves against Wojen.
South African Wojen was a lone trier for Morobe up front.
Had Morobe provided better support to Wojen, they would be the ones laughing all the way from Laiwaden to LFA Park.
In Port Moresby, the much anticipated NSL match between Hekari and Eastern Star did not reach any heights as the reigning champions dominated the entire 90 minutes. 
They stamped their authority in this match in the 9th minute when former Madang Fox Neil Hans scored from the 30mfor the first goal of the afternoon.
After the goal, the Stars focused their efforts on defence to deny Hekari further goals in  the first half.
Five minutes into the second half, PNG striker Kema Jack doubled the lead after a good piece of play by Fijian striker Malakai Tiwa.
Eastern Stars had several opportunities through striker Raymond Gunemba and flanker and former Hekari player Abraham Enoch but the O-League champions’  defence was too good on the day.
Jack scored his second and Hekari’s  third when Solomon Islander Timothy Joe brought him down in the penalty box.
The Stars, with their never-say-die attitude, continued their attack and injected  new recruit in Karol Kakate.
Kakate was wasted on the bench but his 15 minutes on  the field had a great impact.
In one of his attacking drives, he was brought down by Hekari’s defender Andrew Lepani in box  and referee Albert Eka without hesitation awarded a spot kick.
Stars reserve striker Nathaniel Lepani (Andrew’s brother) made sure of the goal.
Stars senior player Cyril Muta said Hekari had the rub of the green and made use of their chances while his boys could not find the net.
The unofficial points ladder after round four: Hekari 9, Tukoko University 5, Madang 3, GL Morobe 2, Besta 2 and Petro Souths 2.