Geno finds winner as Central see off Strikers

By JACK AMI
CENTRAL United kept their perfect record intact with a 1-0 victory over the Southern Strikers in the National Soccer League Southern Conference at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Saturday.
The development side, led by coach Margaret Aka, were unable to replicate the effort that earned them a 2-1 victory in the opening round.
Following a scoreless first half, United’s Rualamo Geno scored the winner in the 56th minute after Strikers goalkeeper Ila Pene misjudged the Central man’s overhead chip which found the back of the net.
Strikers forward Pasco Bailey had three opportunities to equalise but his attempts were defused by United goalkeeper Roga Rogamo, who was supported by the covering Kawai Vakona.
Veteran Tau Nus and youngster Naime Regie were also on their game, enabling United to see out the win.
The Strikers pushed for an equaliser but were luckless on the day.
United, made up of raw talent from Kaparoko and Kalo, were full of running in attack and defence.
There was no fancy structure in place, as United were playing their own brand of football to deny the opposition easy inroads to score.
The Strikers were playing a different team from last week and Aka’s charges were unable to cope with United’s style of football throughout the 90 minutes.
United coach Kila Babaga said his players performed well and deserved the win.
Franchise co-owner Kamo Kini added that it was a combined effort on the park as the players tightened their defence to edge the Strikers.
“We are not here to make numbers,” Kini said.
“We are here to prove that we can match it with the bigger clubs and win games.
“But we are taking our games one at a time and not getting ahead of ourselves.”
Strikers assistant manager John Agovai said his forwards had an ordinary day.
“We had seven attempts in the second half but were unable to finish,” he said.