Five matches played with twenty goals counted over the weekend that completes Week seven of the Telekom S-League (TSL) 2023/2024 seasons.
Honiara City, Southern United and Laugu United bagged maximum points to stay aloft while SOSA FC, Waneagu United, KOSSA FC and Henderson Eels shared points after another thrilling weekend of club football action.
Central Coast FC and Solomon Warriors clash was postponed due to a club reached the maximum number of players traveling for national duties to Asia.
An impressive SOSA FC come from behind for a lead with a Wesley Toitani lobbed goal in the 50’ minute that almost stun an experience Waneagu United – but a Rolland Mamanika 95’ minute equalizer settles to share the points.
“It was unfortunate for us,” says SOSA FC Assistant Coach/Player Cliton Aumae.
“But at least we get one than drop points against a top side like Waneagu United. Congrats to them for proving that they are a competitive side to beat.
FC Juniper Tree got early goal advantage by Thompson Lidi, the quickest of the season so far in the 4th minute during their match against Honiara City – not long for Dalton Saeni to respond five minutes after.
The towering target man then added a brace before Michael Lalo extend the lead before Lidi again narrows the margin six minutes after.
Saeni marked a hat-trick four minutes into the second-half and Joseph Nowae 50th minute goal secured the win for the Jerry Allen led side despite FC Juniper had a Laurrie Raramo consolation sixteen minutes to full-time.
“I’m happy we got the three points,” Allen said in a post-match.
“The boys are young got off track especially playing a match that is tense we just need to keep our cool. I’m not complacent with our performance as a coach, we need to work harder.
City’s win moved them second on goal difference with current leaders Waneagu United also on fourteen points.
Another intensive encounter on matchday fifteen saw KOSSA FC and Henderson Eels shared important points.
KOSSA FC’s Lency Norman scored in the opening tenth minute. With high intensity and more attacking approaches Junior Albert levels the score a minute before heading for the breather.
Eel’s Cleopas Oriana scored what could have been the winner in the 82nd minute but a brilliant countering play leave an on running Alfia Aunga to make a perfect near post finish to rescue a point.
“We did really well but the last quarter of the dying minutes to full-time we defend poorly and they got the equalizer,” Henderson Eels head coach Chris Asipara said after the match.
“But overall, I’m happy with the team effort shown compared to our previous games.
An improved Real Kakamora held a desperate Southern United till the 82nd minutes before start striker John Orubulu slotted home the winner and extend his goal tally to eight.
“Our boys lost the momentum; we gave up early to register at least our first points in the league. I had to accept it and we try continue look forward to upcoming matches and improve from here,” Coach Baddeley Tauto commented
Main matchday thriller between Laugu United and Marist FC strongly kicked off – with fierce intensity Marist FC were reduced to 10-man for dangerous play deep in the first-half.
Christian Ohasio got Marist FC in front from an awarded spot kick fourteen minutes into the second period but could not managed the incoming pressure of Laugu United who had a player advantage for a Thomas Lidoli free-kick and substitute Moffat Kilifa’s winning goal three minutes after from a well-connected low cross ball – lifting his side from to the tenth position on the standings.
“I think it’s the fighting spirit the boys developed throughout the week, the most important factor of what’s winning all about, the mentality and we step up again after we loss our previous matches,” Laugu United coach Paul Kakai Jr said.
WEEK 7 RESULTS
Matchday 14
SOSA FC 2-2 WANEAGU UNITED
FC JUNIPER TREE 3-5 HONIARA CITY
Matchday 15
HENDERSON EELS 2-2 KOSSA FC
REAL KAKAMORA 0-1 SOUTHERN UNITED
LAUGU UNITED 2-1 MARIST FC
