Stars take lead

By HENRY MORABANG
EASTERN Stars have hit the top spot in the Telikom National Soccer League challenge after their gusty 2-1 victory over the determined Petro Souths at the Lloyd Robson Oval in Port Moresby on Saturday.
After a goalless 30 minutes, former international Abraham Enoch gave the NSL minor premiership contenders the lead in the 35th minute before Fabian Bagi slammed home the winner in the 45th minute to lead 2-0 at half time.
Stars could have scored more goals but Petro Souths defence led by skipper Roger Miamba, lanky Joey Ambrose, Marshal Lori and the only Western Highlander Ungia Aiyoka and acrobatic goalkeeper Jacob Senat, who was menacing, denied their opponents the opportunity.
Defender Aiyoka was slapped with a yellow card after two consecutive fouls.
The foul proved costly as Eastern Star skipper Adrian Komu kicked the ball to Felix Bondaluk, who set it for Enoch for the opening goal.
The second goal was scored in a similar fashion, however, this time it was Bagi who scored to lead 2-0 going into the break.
In the second half, both teams played more confidently with Souths wasting no time in launching continuous attacks into Stars’ territory.
In one of such raids, fullback Aiyoka was fouled resulting in a penalty which the visitors capitalised on.
Souths skipper Miamba kicked the ball over Stars’ defence to find workaholic striker Ronald Sohuru who was in superb position to head the ball into the net to trail 2-1.
The goal had certainly lifted Souths spirits who kept continued their attacks against the home side.
    Souths stocky striker Peter Tawelo had the opportunity to level the score but his poor option denied them the chance.  However, Souths seemed to have run out of gas and allowed their opponents to dictate play.
Stars, even had chances of extending their lead but Senat, who continued his outstanding form, did not allow them to take advantage, restricting them from scoring any more goals.
In other matches, Gigira Laitepo Morobe beat Besta PNG 2-0 and Tukoko University edged out hosts, Madang Fox 3-2.
After the weekend’s matches, Eastern Stars 20, Hekari United 19, Gigira Morobe 15, Petro Souths 11, Tukoko University 14, Besta PNG 10 and Madang Fox four.