Sepik edge experienced Stallions to go into break with high spirits

By LARRY ANDREW
SEPIK striker Bisa Kalam’s 89 minute goal saw the National Soccer League rookies sink Tusbab Stallions 2-0 at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium in Lae on Saturday.
The first game of the Northern Conference triple-header saw competition leaders Lae City continue their perfect start with a 6-2 win over Morobe United and second-placed Morobe Wawens beat Northern Youth 2-0.
Sepik were on alert as they took on a more experienced Stallions outfit.
Kalam was brilliant on the left edge as he combined with Jason Ackuali and midfielders Ezekiel Yanum and Henry Salle to produce a great through ball for skipper Nathan Loi to open the scoring in the 31st minute.
Sepik continued to dominate possession despite pressure from Stallions’ Geibul Nehemiah, Ruira Getake and Devi Morris.
Holding onto the slender lead, Ricky Sui, Nathan Kell, Tommy Joma and Bana Gebob had a huge task on their hands to thwart Tusbab’s attempts on goal.
The game went down to the wire with couple of unnecessary plays that saw referee Charles Aringi cautioning Stallions’ Morris and Jason Waduna with yellow cards.
With a minute to go, Kalam found space to beat Stallions goalkeeper Glen Agat to score the winner in the 89th minute.
Kalam’s goal saw his teammates swamp him in jubilation.
It was Derrick Maira-coached Sepik’s second win of the season, ending the first round on a positive note.
Maira told The National that the team management had faith in the players to win this game despite no proper training during the week due to rain.
“We only trained on Thursday and I told the boys to play more defensive football and they stuck to it,” he said.
“We lacked fitness so defensive football was the game plan.
“The win has given us confidence for the second round.
“I believe my men will step up and record more wins.
“We’ll also be looking at doing some adjustment to the team.”
Sepik 2 (Nathan Loi, Bisa Kalam goals) beat Stallions 0. HT: 1-0 (Sepik) at Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium.