Passam blames his side for failing to bag maximum points

By BENJAMIN KOITAKA
Bougainville and the Southern Strikers played out a 1-1 draw in round five of the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League at the Sir John Guise Stadium on Saturday.
Bougainville came into the match as favourites, as they had a better record than their younger opponents. The first half proved to be tough, with neither side finding the net.
But after coach David Passam’s pep talk during the break, Bougainville came out with renewed vigour.
This led to Elton Banem breaking the deadlock in the 70th minute.
Despite being a goal down, the Strikers never gave up in their search for an equaliser.
With both teams desperate to win, Bougainville’s overenthusiasm saw them conceding a penalty inside the box in the 87th minute.
It would prove costly, as Strikers’ Pettyson Elizah made no mistake to convert the penalty to snatch a point for the Margaret Aka-coached side. Following the equaliser, both sides tried desperately to find a winner to improve their place in the conference but their finishes lacked conviction.
Bougainville coach David Passam blamed his side for failing to secure maximum points from a winning position.
He said had it not been for the penalty, Bougainville would have come away with a crucial win as they look to keep up with the competition leaders, Hekari United.
“It was not expected but we will take the draw,” Passam said.
“I am happy with the scoreline, although we could’ve done better.
“We will take the point and turn our attention to our next match.”