NSL heavyweights Hekari, City maintainn spots with wins

By LARRY ANDREW
THE Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League’s top two sides, Hekari United and Lae City, maintained their spots with convincing wins in their round four fixtures in a double-header at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium over the weekend.
Hekari hammered FC Morobe Wawens 3-0 in the first game while City overcame Morobe United 3-1. Hekari were not extended by Wawens despite the home side taking every opportunity to pepper the Reds goal to no avail.
Hekari’s Vanya Malagian, Kepo brothers Kolu and Ati were dangerous with the ball inside Wawens territory with Kolu managing to slot the opening goal.
The visitors held a 1-0 lead at half time. The second half saw Hekari take control and dominate possession but Wawens defence held firm initially. Hekari changed tack and looked to outflank the home side’s defence resulting in a miscued shot from Ferdallas Numuesh deflecting off a teammate into the goal.
Patrick Aisa rounded off another slick Hekari performance when he finished off a through ball by Kolu to net the visitor’s third goal.
The victory sees Hekari stay in No.1 spot on 12 points with City also on 12 points after their win but in second on goal difference.
Coach Jerry Allan was pleased with the win saying they wanted the three points but were made to work for it by a feisty Wawens outfit.
“Three points is what we wanted but in the first half we didn’t have enough possessions and room to move,” he said.
Allan said the team was winning its NSL matches comfortably but also had to prepare for the Champions League and that meant giving ample time to their first choice players to get into form while giving the other back up players time to fit into the Hekari system.
Wawens coach Bob Morris said his side’s defence had to be sorted out as all three goals were started by Hekari outflanking his side.
Morris said he was encouraged by his side’s tight midfield defence.