Hard work for city men

Normal, Sports
Source:

The National, Monday 22nd April 2013

 By HENRY MORABANG

FC Port Moresby continued their climb up the Telikom National Soccer League ladder after surviving a hard-fought match against Welgris FC to come out winners 4-3 in Round 12 at the Bisini Soccer Ground on Saturday.

The Port Moresby-based team was made to work hard to brush aside the challenge from the Western Highlands-based team before winning.

The victory has propelled them into outright second, ahead of Besta United, who have two games in hand against Hekari and Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC.

Watched by a poor turn-out of spectators due to a change of venues at the last minute, the game was played at a fast pace as both teams tried to find room to score.

Port Moresby, led by Michael Foster, Arniel Pas­sam, Alwin Komolong, Vanya Malagian, Max Sengum, Niel Hans and Abel Ilaita, did not take any chances against the visitors.

Foster opened the scoring with a good goal and that was followed soon after by another classic from Max Sengum to put FC Port Moresby 2-0 in front.

Just as both teams were heading for half-time, Welgris flanker and captain Andrew Apo made the score respectable at 2-1.

On resumption of play, Madang-born Milne Bay left footer Vanya Malagian extended the lead to 3-1.

Port Moresby was heading for an impressive victory but Junior Gaya for Welgris narrowed the score to 3-2. 

However, Welgris were at their worst when Hans was pulled down and they took a spot kick to cushion their lead 4-2.

Welgris had the opportunity to level the score but their spot kicker missed the ball and a Henry Gawi header came a little too late. 

In other NSL matches played in Lae, Gigira Laitepo Morobe United made their intention known that they are still a contender for second spot by thrashing Eastern Stars 3-0, while NC Civil Works Oro FC downed host WNB Tavur 2-0 in Kimbe.