Genesis retain top spot

By PATRICIA KEAMO
LEADERS Genesis retained the top spot in the Southern Conference of the Women’s National Soccer League after defeating National Capital District (NCD) 3-1 at Papua New Guinea Football Stadium in Port Moresby yesterday.
Forward Rayleen Bauelua opened scoring in the first half with two goals followed by a goal from Lavinia Hola that put them two points ahead of NCD whose only goal was scored by Cynthia Bangita.
Both sides returned in the second half with scoring attempts, however, no goals were recorded as Genesis sealed another win as they continued their march towards the minor premiership.
The team were mindful of their opponents’ capabilities as they took the field with intensity.
Assistant coach Joe Willie said they stuck to their game plan and maintained their momentum.
“The main thing is to be mentally fit and to achieve what we have trained for especially in our finishing,” he said.
With the season heading towards the finals and given their perfect start in maintaining the top spot, the Percy Mataio-coached side are eager to reach the grand final.
“It was a great effort by our players, they deserve all the credit,” Willie said.“We work hard at training but it’s up to the women to implement what we’ve worked on.”
Meanwhile, Mataio made a strategic decision to rest skipper and Papua New Guinea international Yvonne Gabong ahead of the finals.
In the second match of the Southern Conference triple-header, Frederica Sakette’s Port Moresby City defeated Amoana 2-0.
Results: Sat, Feb 20 — Hekari United 7 Port Moresby Academy 0, Port Moresby City 2 Amoana 0, Genesis 3 National Capital District 1, Rainy Lae 1 Markham Raings 2, Sepik 1 Pacific Gardens 0, Poro 3 Bara 2, Tusbab Laidamon 3 Morobe Tulip 0.