Eliude Fugre, showed class and proved that he is still one of the best as he steered Lae City FC to win it’s first match in the 2022 NSL Northern Conference match against new kid on the block, Lae Natives FC, 4 – 2 at the PNGFA Academy in Lae.
Eliude joined the team early, this year for the OFC National play off but did not travel with the team to Auckland. Despite the unavailability of 10 players who are with the PNG Team, Eliude and the other new comers, Vagi Koniel (goal keeper), Gabby Yanum (defender), and Elizah Kamak (midfielder) did blended well to upset Lae Natives FC.
In the 12th minute, Eliud with his trade mark passes, pushed a through ball cutting off the Lae Natives defence that was received by Albert Morgan Jnr with his speed and he slotted the ball into the back of the net to lead 1 – 0.
Ten minutes later, Eliud drive through the midfield and again send Albert Morgan Jnr to score the second goal. Leading 2 nil, Lae City went back to sleep and allow Lae Natives to score two quick goals, and stunning the Lae City FC defense. At half time both teams were locked at 2 all.
The never say die attitude by Lae City FC saw them went passed Lae Natives in the second half. Albert Morgan Jnr score the 3rd goal to complete his hatrick and Joshua Talau cemented the game with the 4th goal.
Former Besta FC and Morobe United FC goal keeper, Vagi Koniel displayed a class performance in his debut for Lae City FC, while Felix Komolong lead his line of defense in the likes of Thomas Yagum, Joshua Talau and Gabby Yanum.
The unavailability of the regular players saw the chance for other players to make their debut as well. Jeremy Bart (defender) and Kerodin Robert (forward) had their first taste of NSL experience.
