Hekari beat Oro, continue winning streak

 HEKARI United consolidated their lead in the National Soccer League with a workman-like 1-0 victory over an equally determined Oro outfit in their rescheduled match at the Correctional Services (CS) Training Oval in Bomana yesterday.

The win did not come as easy as expected with Oro making their life more than difficult with a relentless approach in attack and defence.

Oro had several chances through wingers Patrick Aisa and Henry Gawi Ronney but Hekari goalkeeper Ismael Pole was up to the task. Hekari had their share of opportunities but they too were guilty of poor execution, brought about by the intense defensive pressure put on them by Oro’s Campbell Misirait, Moses Arisib and Kelvin Kensen who combined to foil the Reds menacing attack.

Shots by Nicholas Muri, Tommy Sammy, Tutizama Tanito and Eric Komeng were all kept out in the first half, ensuring the score was 0-0 after the first half.

Captains Ian Yanum of Oro and David Muta of Hekari, led by example and produced spots of brilliance while marshalling their troops but could not find the opposite net. 

Muta combined well with midfield partner Simon Emmanuel but Yanum lacked the same level of support from his teammates.

Oro fullback Moses Arisib and Gary Moka received yellow cards for dangerous play and back-chatting.

In the second half, Hekari — using the wind to their advantage —took control of the ball and continuously bombarded the Oro line until an Emmanuel corner kick was deflected into the net for the first and only goal of the match.

Hekari sensibly closed down the match from that point on to safely see out the remainder of the half and come away with their unbeaten record intact.

Standings: Hekari 10, Oro 6, Lae 4, Besta 3, POM 2, Madang 2 and Admiralty 2