HONIARA – The race for the DJ Premier League title heated up during the latest round of midweek matches with Koloale and Rangers the big movers. Table-toppers, Uncles FC, spurned a chance to break clear from the chasing pack after Judd Molea saw his penalty saved by Leon Lekezoto during their clubs 0-0 draw at Lawson Tama Stadium.
Rangers FC and Solomon Islands international striker, Godwin Bebeu, helped himself to a hat-trick as Rangers FC dispatched struggling Sunbeam 3-1 at the national stadium.
Former Waitakere United striker and two-time O-League and NZFC winner, Commins Menapi, had a goal disallowed and was sent off during Makuru’s frustrating 0-0 draw with Uncles FC.
Uncles FC lead the DJ Premier League on goal difference from O-League representatives Koloale who look to be in ominous form. Makuru, Marist, Rangers and Naha are only two points behind in what promises to be a mouthwatering contest.
LEKEZOTO PENALTY SAVE DENIES UNCLES FC
Commins Menapi: sent off and a goal disallowed for Makuru
Makuru vs Uncles (0-0)
Lawson Tama Stadium
Tuesday 16 September
This match was expected to be tough and it lived up to expectations. Fans of both teams were brought to the edge of their seats throughout a pulsating 90 minutes. Both teams had their share of goal scoring chances which they failed to capitalize on. Uncles had a Judd Molea penalty saved by Leon Lekezoto. Makuru pair Commins Menapi and Alick Maemae had the ball in the net but both were ruled out by officials. Menapi ended up receiving a red card after picking up two yellow cards, the final one for dissent.
KOLOALE MARCH ON
James Naka: Long range goal not enough to prevent defeat for Zome Mars
Koloale vs Zome Mars (3-2)
AE Oval
Wednesday 17 September
The O-League representatives lived up to expectation scoring three goals against a vastly improved Zome Mars outfit. Koloale playing on their home turf had the better of possession and scoring opportunities but it took them until the 25th minute to find the opening goal. Rising striking sensation, Ezra Sale, on-loan from Makuru for this season, opened the scoring midway through the first half. Jeffrey Bule scored the second not long after but Bilikiki beach soccer goal poacher James Naka reduced deficit with a long range screamer just before halftime. Zome Mars equalized through Hardie Kwasi when match resumed but Koloale had other ideas and Mostyn Beui made sure they grabbed maximum match points from this match by hitting the winner in the dying moments to give Koloale a 3-2 win.
BEBEU HAT-TRICK SINKS SUNBEAM
Power Rangers: Former Waikato FC striker Godwin Bebeu
Rangers vs Sunbeam (3-1)
Lawson Tama Stadium
Thursday 18 September
International striker Godwin Bebeu scored a hat trick as his Rangers FC condemned Sunbeam to its fourth straight loss in the DJ League Premier Division on Thursday at Lawson Tama Stadium. Sunbeam’s Robert Diau equalized for his team before halftime break. But Rangers kept the pressure on and earned a penalty. Bebeu made no mistake when he slotted the spot kick home to help his team regain the lead. Sunbeam remained in the match but squandered a raft of scoring opportunities. Bebeu punished the hapless Sunbeam scoring his third after a mazy solo run left defenders trailing in his wake before he applied the finishing touch.
DJ PREMIER LEAGUE
STANDINGS: 20.09.08
|
|
PL |
W |
D |
L |
GF |
GA |
PTS |
GD |
|
|
1. |
Uncles FC |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
8 |
2 |
8 |
+6 |
|
2. |
Koloale |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
7 |
5 |
8 |
+2 |
|
3. |
Makuru |
4 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
8 |
2 |
7 |
+5 |
|
4. |
Marist FC |
3 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
3 |
7 |
+2 |
|
5. |
Rangers FC |
4 |
2 |
1 |
1 |
8 |
6 |
7 |
+6 |
|
6. |
|
3 |
2 |
0 |
1 |
6 |
7 |
6 |
-1 |
|
7. |
Kossa |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
4 |
2 |
4 |
+2 |
|
8. |
Hana |
3 |
1 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
4 |
4 |
-1 |
|
9. |
Zome Mars |
4 |
1 |
1 |
2 |
7 |
8 |
4 |
-1 |
|
10. |
K1 United |
3 |
1 |
0 |
2 |
4 |
11 |
3 |
-7 |
|
11. |
Laugu |
3 |
0 |
0 |
3 |
3 |
7 |
0 |
-4 |
|
12. |
Sunbeam |
4 |
0 |
0 |
4 |
3 |
12 |
0 |
-9 |
DJ PREMIER LEAGUE
Results
Uncles FC vs. Makuru 0-0
Koloale vs. Zome Mars 3-2
Rangers FC vs. Sunbeam 3-1