While off-field issues are a cause for concern, with the season yet to commence, three of Port Moresby’s Franchise clubs in the National Soccer League (NSL) took the time to test out their new players and tactics, in friendly matches over the weekend.
Admiralty FC divided their squad into two teams to take on Eastern Stars’ young guns, and Hekari’s experience.
Admiralty FC, the newest franchise in the NSL, put in strong displays as their two-team squad took on title-contenders Eastern Stars and Pacific heavyweights, Hekari FC.
Played under tough conditions, with the wet pitch slowing Eastern Stars’ usually fluid counter, the match saw Admiralty’s B team struggling early on to gain possession, with Eastern Stars having more time on the ball and having better penetration through the attacking third.
Admiralty however was able to hold out well in defense and while Stars made few errors, Admiralty did punish them inside the box with three goals. The match ended a seven goal thriller, 4-3
In the other Admiralty match, Hekari showed their class in front of the goalmouth as the Allen brothers, both coaching the champions, tested their new buys as well.
Admiralty however, did show a lot of tenacity and persistence in front of goal and had their own opportunities in the box.
In the end though, Hekari’s dominance showed as they secured a 4 -1 victory.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=bOnBAnPXaTU%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
