Hekari on top

 By HENRY MORABANG

HEKARI United maintained their lead in the National Soccer League’s Southern Conference with a 4-2 victory over Gigira Laitepo United yesterday.

John Kapi Natto’s Reds, who are undefeated in six games, had too much class for the men in green and the scoreline mirrored their result from the first clash in the 2015-16 season.

Hekari slotted in two quick goals through wing Papalau Awele and skipper Koriak Upaiga for an early advantage before Gigira pulled one back through a spot kick by captain Ian Yanum to go into halftime 2-1 down.

In the second half, Libe Parandali’s charges put on a more purposeful 45 minutes especially in the opening quarter of the half but Hekari’s superior stamina ensured they stayed ahead of their opponents and this led to them breaching the Gigra goal twice before Moses Asirib scored a consolation goal in the 79th minute.

Interestingly, US-based Wira Wama made a surprise appearance for Hekari ,scoring the Reds’ third goal.

Asirib’s goal would have assuaged coach David Passam but the former University fullback admitted that his side did not do enough to stay in the contest despite producing some good plays.

Passam said his side would have conceded more goals were it not for goal-keeper Paul Peter.

Passam was pleased with the performance of his two new mid-season recruits in Basil Jofari and Clement Willis, who gave their best despite carrying injuries from a trial match against Eremas last week.

Hekari stand-in coach Matthew Witu was a happy man saying the match between the two sides was like a local derby seeing as both sides are owned by resource-owners from the Southern Highlands and Hela province.  Skipper Koriak Upaiga, who is a strong contender for the NSL’s Golden Boot award for top goal-scorer of the season, had an outstanding 90 minutes, scoring two goals and making every post a winner.

In other games played on Saturday, Port Moresby thrashed newcomers Huawei PS United 6-0  while the Posman Kua Aisa-backed Rapatona beat Erema 3-1.

Hekari 4 (Papale Awele 8, Koriak Upaiga 31, 73, Wira Wama 67) Gigira Laitepo 2 (Ian Yanum 45, Moses Asirib 79).

Southern Conference: Hekari 18, Rapatona 10, FC Port Moresby 7, Erema 7, Gigira Laitepo 5, PS United 4.