Star, Hekari battle to 0-0 draw at Bisini field

By HENRY MORABANG
THE Telikom National Soccer League competition ladder remains unchanged as City Pharmacy Eastern Star and Hekari United fought out a 0-0 draw at Bisini Oval on Saturday.
Hekari were hoping to extend the lead at the top of the table but Star had other plans shutting down the vaunted Hekari attack.
The Star’s defensive allignment of Jeremy Yasasa, Timothy Joe, Joshua Niebo and David Taro (until red carded) combined to foil Hekari’s dangermen in Vanuatu striker Jean Kaltak and Kema Jack.
Contrastingly, Star’s strikers Lap Embel and Felix Bondaluk lacked composure and seemed to rush their kicks.
Midfielder Michael Foster making his debut for Star struggled due to injury which affected his combination with midfield partner Eliud Fugre.
Hekari’s astute backline led by Koriak Upaiga, John Namani, Andrew Lepani and Fijian Isoa Donaldson were up to the task.
In the midfield, David Muta, Clifton Aumae and Eric Komeng played their best to support their strikers.
With both sets of defenders effective at snuffing out every potential threat the score remained 0-0 at halftime.
In the second half, Stars had several opportunities but failed to score.
Likewise Hekari were also guilty of missing some goal-scoring chances.
Credit must also go to the two goalkeepers – Leslie Kalai (Hekari) and Gure Gabina (Star) – who played well throughout the match.
The game was fiery at times but Goroka referee Mairi Noni made good use of his yellow and red cards to ease the tension.
Noni red-carded David Taro and John Namani who are likely to miss two NSL matches for dangerous play.
In other matches played at the Lae Football Academy, hosts Besta PNG United held Tukoko University to a 1-1 draw.
The NSL points ladder as of Saturday: Hekari United 10, Gigira Laitepo Central Coast 9, City Pharmacy Eastern Star 5, MMJV Bulolo United 4, Besta United 4, NBS Tukoko 1 and Petro Souths 0.
Other games for Lae at the Sir Ignatius Kilage Stadium have been put on hold until further notice due to the unrest.
Bulolo’s game against Souths in Goroka was also deferred.