Tavur hold Eastern Stars

By HENRY MORABANG
NEWCOMER West New Britain Tavur FC has sounded a warning to other franchises in the Telikom National Soccer League.
They yesterday showed they will not be an easy beat after drawing 1-1 with Eastern Stars in the mid-week clash at the Kimbe Soccer Oval in Kimbe yesterday afternoon.
Stars coach Max Foster said he was impressed with the performance of West New Britain boys who gave his charges a run for their money.
Speaking from Kimbe, Foster said his boys had a hard time against the hosts.
After a scoreless opening half, both teams came much stronger in the second spell in a bid to win the match.
With a patriotic crowd barracking them on, Tavur took the lead from a set play to go 1-0 up.
But the savvy city boys continued to bombard the opposition’s defence to milk a penalty.
That saw a clever spot kick by overlooked fullback Sasu Junior, who levelled the scores at 1-1.
Foster said he was happy with the draw.
Stars won their opening match against Oro Fox 3-1 to put them in contention with front runners Hekari United FC and Besta PNG United.
Foster said he was happy with the performance but there was a lot of room for improvement.
After his second match in charge, the former international goalkeeper said he was still trying out players.
He wants a workable combination who can give Pacific Assurance Group-sponsored FC Port Moresby a good game on Saturday in the capital city.
He singled out Sasu Junior, Aquila Emil Jnr and John Ray as top backline performers, midfielder Richard Matanga for his outstanding leadership in the general play.
But, Foster said, he was disappointed striker Patrick Aisa did not deliver in Kimbe.
Foster said he hoped for an improvement this weekend against FC Port Moresby.
WNB Tavur manager John Raka said he was happy with the overall performance of the team.
Despite their debut in the semi professional competition, all the players gave their best against the more experienced Eastern Stars side.
He commended his coach Luke Muta, the father of Muta brothers Cyril (FC Pom)) and David (Hekari), for putting up a strong team against the visitors.