Petro Souths run out of gas against Hekari

By HENRY MORABANG
AFTER an embarrassing 1-0 loss to Gigira (bye) last week, O-League champions, Hekari United put on a master class to dispatch a raw Petro Souths outfit 4-1 in the Telikom National Soccer League on Saturday in Port Moresby.
In other matches, Besta PNG upset Tukoko University Lae 2-0 while in Madang, Milne Bay franchise Eastern Star proved too good for hosts Madang Fox, winning 2-0.
Besta’s goals came from  striker Jalhmal Seeto and midfielder Emmanuel Simon.
The return of coach Jerry Allen and captain David Muta was the difference for the big victory.
Niel Hans had a field day setting all four goals for Hekari with his crosses from the flanks.
After trailing 1-0 in the 29th minute from  Souths flanker Simon Doro, Hekari shifted in to high gear to set the momentum for their attack which resulted in a goal by Malakai Tiwa.
The opening goal by Doro was a brilliant piece of play when former Hekari player James Kawori beat Fijiian import Alwin Singh to set Doro for an easy tap.
However, the lead was shortlived as Hekari replied in the 40th minute through Tiwa to level the score 1-1 at half time.
In the second half, Hekari’s superior conditioning saw them dominate the half.
All goals in that period came off headers following the good crosses from Hans.
Hans may have scored one but had a hand in two others, featuring prominently in support and laid on Hekari’s best attacking ploy – the cross and header.
Hekari started the ball rolling in the 51st minute when Hans  headed the ball pass Petro Souths goalkeeper Jacob Senat while Tuimaci Manuca hit the back of the net in the 56th minute and Ian Yanum scored a minute later to seal the match for the NSL giants.
Senat put on a determined  display of goalkeeping despite letting through four goals preventing several other chances.
Souths defence must be also commended for its part in stopping what could have been a much bigger scoreline for the rampant reds.