Youngsters win
By ISAAC LIRI
AN impressive second-half performance by Besta PNG United saw the Under-21 side crank out a 3-1 win against Momase in their National Soccer League second round fixture at Bisini in Port Moresby.
United coach Harrison Kamake, who was pleased with Saturday’s result, admitted there were areas in his side’s performance that needed to be improved if they were going to make the finals.
Kamake said his side adapted better in wet conditions and showed maturity and control against a new NSL franchise littered with experienced campaigners.
United led 1-0 at halftime thanks to Barthy Kerobin who scored in the 25th minute.
Kamake wanted more from his players and implored them to play smarter and tighter as the opportunities were there to win and win well.
Momase to their credit hit back after the resumption with Elton Banem slotting in his side’s response in the 51st minute.
With scores locked at 1-1 for a long period, United’s Emmanuel Simongi broke the stalemate with an 85th minute effort to reclaim the lead and substitute Jonathan Allen added an injury-time goal to seal a valuable 3-1 win.
“Last week, we lost to Lae but we played better,” Kamake said.
“We came prepared for this game and we won, but I’m disappointed with the way we played.
“I think we could have performed much better. Anyway the result is good and it’s a plus for the boys and I cannot take that from them,” he said.
Kamake said he was pleased with his bench who came on and had an impact. He said Jonathan Allen looked dangerous every time he touched the ball and was rewarded with a goal in injury time.
Kamake also commended the opposition for their challenge.
“FC Momase are a good team. They’ve a few players I haven’t seen before and we never wrote them off and they proved they can compete.”
Rd 2 Results: Sat, Jan 20 – Momase 1 Besta United 3, Madang 5 Southern Strikers 0, Toti City 8 Buang 1.
Bye: Morobe Wawens.