Hekari way ahead

By HENRY MORABANG
HEKARI United FC raced away with from the rest of the teams on the Telikom National Soccer League table with 34 points after their 3-0 victory over Gigira Laitepo Central Coast FC at Lloyd Robson Oval on Saturday.
Simultaneously at Bisini Football stadium, City Pharmacy Ltd Eastern Stars roped up another three points to move into the second spot after thrashing struggling Petro Souths 3-0.
Away in Lae, NBS Tukoko University failed to send off their founder Misty Baloiloi on a high note after losing 2-0 to MMJV Bulolo FC at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.
The match between Hekari United and Central Coast was what the Hekari team management was eager to have to prepare the team for next week’s O-League match in Port Moresby.
Franchise owner John Kapi Natto and wife Vonnie were keen to have a tough competition from local teams to stay in top form when they host Vanuatu champions Amicale FC next Saturday.
Kapi Natto said he was satisfied with the performance of the boys in recent weeks. Hekari had to play three tough matches within a space of a week starting with a good win over Besta 3-0, Petro Souths 6-1 and Gigira 3-0 recently at the weekend.
They went into the game expecting a tough match and despite the win Central Coast failed to give them a tough competition.
Hekari’s Samuel Kini, David Muta, Wira Wama and captain Eric Komeng dominated play setting up their strikers Raymond Gunemba and Maciu Dunadamu.
Hekari picked up two quick goals in the space of 10 minutes through Komeng to set the foundation.
Central Coast had no chances as Hekari defenders Koriak Upaiga, Pita Bolaitoga and Taniela Waqa thwarted any chances taken by strikers Reginald Davani and Nathaniel Lepani.
Hekari went to the break leading 2-0.
In the second half, Hekari tightened up their defence completing shutting out their opponents.
Despite the injection of Tau Winnie midway into the second half, it did little to inspire Central as the PNG champions dominated the proceedings.
Hekari scored their third goal when David Muta set Maciu Dunadamu to pick up his first in the NSL competition. He also broke his goalscoring hoodoo since joining Hekari this season to help them to a 3-0 win.
The points ladder sees Hekari on 34, Stars 21, Besta 20, Central Coast 19, Morobe 13, University 11 and Petro Souths seven.