Lae franchises dominate opener

 By LARRY AULA ANDREW

THREE Lae-based franchises opened the National Soccer League 2015-2016 season with a win each against visiting teams at Sir Ignatius Kilage stadium on Saturday.

The Northern Conference, boasting 2014-2015 champions Lae City Dwellers, Welgris Morobe United, PNG Besta United, Admiralty, Madang and Goroka showcased what was expected in the weeks to come.

The first match of the day between Morobe United and Admiralty was evenly-contested, with the Manusians showing a class of football through striker Lote Richard, who set the pace in the first 10 minutes of the match but could not turn the opportunities given into points.

With the clock ticking down to the break, United making its come back into the NSL circle with a good play into the opposition’s territory which had Emmanual Yawi slamming home the first goal of the match for a 1-0 lead at the 40th minute, which they defended to come out winners.

In the second match of the conference, Madang were given a run for their money by Besta United before losing the match 2-0. Madang, despite taking control of the first half and had opportunities to score, could not find the net.

The youngsters from the academy scored a goal seconds before half time and again in the second half to win the match 2-0.

The last match of the conference was an all-Lae City Dwellers affair as they dominated the match from the start to the finish to thrash newcomers Goroka 7-0.

The goals from the reigning champions came off from the boots of Nigel Dabinyaba (4), Obert Plesman Bika (2) and Matthew David (1). The win places Dwellers on the top of the Northern Conference.