Wawens force draw with United, Lahi triumph

Sports

By LARRY ANDREW
Morobe Wawens forced a 2-2 draw against second-placed Morobe United in the Kumul Petroleum National Soccer League Northern Conference in Lae on Saturday.
In the other conference matches, Lahi United upset the Tusbab Stallion 3-2 and Besta PNG United beat Laiwaden 3-2.
Besta’s goals came from the Allen brothers — Abraham (two) and Jonathan — at Laiwaden Oval in Madang.
The main fixture of the double header at the Sir igantius Kilage Stadium saw Morobe United and Morobe Wawens giving their best in attack.
Wawens — with Francis Isom and Jethro Mauta — took control of the midfield, setting up play for their forwards Sombo Goro, Donatus Bandi and Iso Muekako to apply consistent pressure on the United defence. In the 16th minute, United set up a good piece of play for Russel Nirik to score the first goal of his double.
However, Wawens regrouped and reply a goal of their own through Goro in the 20th minute.
A minute later, Nirik added his second goal for United to extend the lead to 2-1 leading into the halftime.
After the break, the Wawens dominated the second half to play much of their football inside United’s territory.
The Wawens’ paid off with Brendon Ben sailing the ball past Vagi Koniel to equalise in the 47th minute.
With the game locked at 2-2, both teams lifted their intensity but could not find a winner.
Northern Conference results: Lahi United 3 Tusbab Stallion 2, Besta PNG United 3 Laiwaden 2, Morobe Wawens 2 Morobe United 2.