Madang looking for payback

The National Sports

By ISAAC LIRI
MADANG FC are set to host the National Soccer League top-of-the-table clash against Toti City FC at the Laiwaden Oval.
Coming off a 2-0 loss to Besta PNG United in Lae last week, Madang FC will now have the home advantage against the defending premiers.
The last time both sides met, the Peter Gunemba-coached side had the upper hand, beating Madang FC 7-2 in round three.
Madang FC coach Mauri Wasi is out of the country due to other football commitments in New Zealand, leaving team manager Gari Moka to step in ahead of the match.
“We are expecting a big turn out from our home crowd this weekend and hopefully we can cause an upset,” Moka said.
“Last week was disappointing for us. We arrived late in Lae and didn’t have enough time to rest before the game but we put that behind us now and are looking forward to this weekend’s game.
“We must win this game to maintain our second spot on the ladder.
“Looking at FC Morobe Wawens and Besta United (on the ladder), we’re a bit under pressure now.
“But we hope to use that to our advantage to get a positive result.
“When we met them in round three, we lacked fitness in the second-half and gave the game away. This time, I think we’re well prepared and we’re definitely looking for payback.”
Madang are clinging onto second spot with 13 points from four wins, a draw and two losses while their unbeaten opponents sit atop the ladder with 21 points.
Should Toti and Wawens win their matches, Madang will drop to third which is something Moka is desperate to avoid.
Toti skipper Raymond Gunemba, who has scored 11 goals so far, said they will be using the match as their final trial before travelling to New Zealand for the OFC Champions League quarter-final against Wellington FC.
“We will have to perform at our very best in this one,” Gunemba said.
In other NSL matches this weekend, Wawens will be looking to maintain third spot against fourth-placed Besta United in Lae.
Following two straight defeats, FC Momase will be aiming to secure the three points against Buang FC in Port Moresby.
Sixth-placed Southern Strikers are on a bye.