Simon stars for Gigira

By HENRY MORABANG
MOROBE prodigal son, Emmanuel Simon, sparked his Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC to a 3-2 victory over a star-studded FC Port Moresby in the Telikom National Soccer League.
The 19-year-old Buang lad dedicated the win at Sir John Guise Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday to all the Morobe supporters who turned up to barrack for their side.
Simon urged them to support them whenever the team played outside of the Morobe capital, Lae.
He said his team needed the win to stay in touch with early competition leaders, Hekari and Besta PNG United, who won their second consecutive matches at the weekend.
Hekari sent fellow highlander team, Welgris Highlands FC to the drawing board with 6-0 drubbing, while the LFA-dominated Besta gave newcomer NC Civil Works Oro FC their second straight loss 2-0.
Simon said FC Port Moresby had nine internationals, while Morobe FC had mostly home-grown talent.
Despite missing out on the U20 selection due to age cut-off dates, Simon will now concentrate on helping Morobe restore lost pride.
He played a dominant role in the 3-2 victory, scoring twice, with Sammy Hiob adding the other.
After a scoreless first half dominated by FC Port Moresby, the Morobeens slowly took control.
Morobe struck 10 minutes after the restart when Simon curved a ball over the FC Port Moresby defenders to beat goalkeeper Albert Mesulam.
Ten minutes later, Simon did it again after being brought down by Port Moresby fullback – and fellow Morobean – Kelly Jampu in the penalty box. He made sure of the spot kick to extend the lead 2-0.
Striker Sammy Hiob cushioned the lead to tap in a good cross from Japhaet Tiampo.
Complacency crept in the Morobe side, resulting in two quick goals.
FC Port Moresby skipper Reginald Davani scored in the 79th minute while Solomon Islander David Taro narrowed the lead from a
spot kick.
Morobe coach Jack Jonathan gave credit to all the boys but his pick for the afternoon was midfielder Simon.
He thanked FC Port Moresby for a good game, saying that it was not their day.
In the midweek clash, Eastern Star will take on WNB Tavur on Wednesday.