Central Coast, Solomon Warriors share point in a dramatic nil all thriller
The Telekom Super League (TSL) defending champion Solomon Warriors and the TSL current table leader Central Coast FC have shared points in a nil all dramatic thriller during the mid-week catch up matches on Wednesday.
The exciting match was played at the Lawson Tama Stadium.
The TSL top contenders battle between the Central Coast and Solomon Warriors was one of the intense battles so far since the start of the season as the rivals met for the first time this season.
The battle started as Central Coast took overall domination of the defending champions Solomon Warriors in the first 45 minutes having almost five corner-kicks, three free-kicks and creating more scoring chances but just unable to find one back of the net.
Solomon Warriors despite having so much pressure from the Jacob Moli coach side, in the first half they managed to hold on to a steady and balance defending in their own side for the first 45 minutes.
Both teams regrouped with renewed strength in the first half trying to break the deadlock where the Jacob Moli led side continued with its dominance over Solomon Warriors.
However, Solomon Warriors managed to pick up their game rhythm in the second half with short passes and ball work towards the Central Coast goal mouth but can’t able to get past the Central Coast’s brick wall.
Central Coast head coach Jacob Moli made two substitutions in the second half, replacing Hardyn Irodao with Clifford Fafale and Richie Kwaimamani going in for Thomas Amasia aiming to infiltrate the Warriors goal mouth.
Clifford Fafale created two golden chances that should have scored in the final five minutes of play but was denied to end the match with the goalless draw.
The goalless draw between the two rivals gives Central Coast 1 point to go top of the table with 27 points while, Solomon Warriors remains on the third spot with 25 points.
Moli, Central Coast head coach told Star Sport in an interview after the match that despite having shared the point with Solomon Warriors, he was happy with the boys’ performance despite not making use of their scoring chances.
He said, the boys have full control of the match, created scoring chances but only fail to score.
Moli added that finishing is one of the areas which they will work on before their next match against Waneagu United this coming weekend.
Commenting on their next match, coach Moli revealed that Waneagu is not an easy team.
“But we aim for the 3 points, as our focus now is to recover then prepare for the weekend match.”
Meanwhile, Solomon Warriors assistance coach Harddie Aengari said, he was thankful for his boys despite too much pressure from the Central Coast in the match they manage to hold them til the final whistle.
Solomon Warriors will face the second table leaders Laugu United this weekend, which Aengari said, it will be a tough match for them.
By FLOYD TERRY JNR
Solomon Star, Honiara
