Hekari stay in hunt

FIJI duo Taniela Waqa and Pita Bolaitoga helped Hekari United record a 3-1 win over the Solomon Islands champions Koloale FC in their O-League match at the Lloyd Robson oval in Port Moresby on Saturday.
In front of an appreciative crowd, Hekari got off to a flying start when Waqa put the home side ahead in the 6th minute when he slipped a loose ball from a David Muta corner kick past Koloale goalkeeper Shadrack Ramoni.
The Reds stepped up their attack with Kema Jack and Maciu Dunadamu proving a constant threat.
In the 16th minute skipper Andrew Lepani headed home a cross from Wira Wama and gave their fans more to cheer about.
Jack had at least four chances to extend the lead for the 2010 O-League champions before the break but failed to convert.
Hekari led 2-0 at the break.
The Reds were more composed in the second half and had some breathing space when Bolaitoga made it 3-0 after Muta curved a shot into the goal area, allowing the Fijian to head home the match winner in the 79th minute.
Hekari could have extended their lead when Dunadamu was brought down in the penalty area but he was denied a free kick by the Fijian referee.
Waqa and Bolaitoga were also instrumental in the defence defusing any chances taken by the opponents. 
But the Solomon Islanders pulled one back three minutes later when James Naka slipped one past Hekari goalkeeper Leslie Kalai. By then it was too late for the visitors.
The win takes Hekari to four points.
Vanuatu’s Amicale FC have a game in hand against group B leaders New Zealand’s Auckland City next year.
Hekari head coach Jerry Allen was pleased to pick up their first win of the O-League.
After two away matches, he said it was good to play at home and win the three points.
He added that the boys executed the game plan well despite easing off in the final 10 minutes.
The plan was to score within 15 minutes.
“Our game was to attack and score early and the boys did that by scoring two quick goals.”
He gave credit to the boys for working hard throughout the week on their organisation, set plays and combinations.
“Yes, everything paid off today and overall I am really happy with how the boys played,” Allen said.
His assistant Matthew Witu said preparations for the game were outstanding.
With the team manager Vonnie Kapi Natto stressing on discipline, he said it showed in the boys’ performance today.
“Everyone deserves the win today and we look forward to win the other home games.
“The win should motivate the boys to continue fighting in their remaining games,” he said.
Hekari will enjoy two home games in the New Year.
They meet Amicale in February and Auckland City in March before the return leg to Solomon Islands in their final Group B match.
On the other hand, the loss by the Solomon Islanders puts them in uncertain waters after three straight defeats and they are unlikely to emulate their efforts of three seasons ago when they reached the finals.
The road for Koloale gets even tougher as they ready themselves for an away trip to Auckland City on Feb 18 before completing the regular rounds hosting Amicale and Hekari.