Madang sides step up in front of home fans

IT is no surprise for Madang teams in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League to step up when they play in front of their home fans at the Laiwaden Oval.
Some even say Madang is a difficult place to win if you are a visiting team, and quality teams like Toti City and Hekari United have experienced that in the past.
The two Madang sides taking part in the semi-professional competition, Tusbab Stallions and Laiwaden, were applauded for their fighting spirit over the weekend.
The Stallions managed to give defending champions City a scare despite going down 2-1 and Laiwaden came from behind to beat Oceania Football Confederation Champions League outfit Morobe Wawens 3-2.
City were given a good run for their money by a young Tusbab side, who were first to score through Ephraim Leo in the opening minutes.
City fought back with Emmanuel Airem scoring before half-time and veteran Michael Foster bagging the winner in the second half.
City skipper Raymond Gunemba admitted that they were given a scare by Tusbab.
“We underestimated them so that’s why we struggled to win. They are a good side but like all teams, they have areas to improve on,” he said.
“For us, it was a lesson that we have to prepare well every week and not to underestimate any team because when they play us, they will definitely give their best.”
In the main game in Madang, Laiwaden’s win ensured the Bob Morris-coached side moved to third on the Northern Conference ladder.
Kumul Petroleum NSL Northern Conference ladder: Morobe United 15, Toti City 9, Laiwaden 9, Besta United 7, Tusbab Stallions 6, Markham 5, Lahi 4, Morobe Wawens 0