BY Taromane Martin
A first half Henry Fa’arodo goal saw Marist FC advancing for the grand final of the 2018 Telekom S-League championship after defeating Malaita Kingz FC 1-0 yesterday.
Fa’arodo found the back of the net 27 minutes into the first half after an excellent through ball from Atkin Kaua and a dummy by Mathias Iani saw the former national mid fielder pouncing on the loose ball for the lead.
Charles Mani almost grabbed the equaliser for Malaita Kingz in the second half after a wasteful first half, but was brilliantly denied by an out stretching Marist goal keeper Harold Nauania.
Abraham Iniga and Kaua also had chances to extend Marist’s lead but failed to find the back of the abandoned Samson Koti goal mouth.
Marist Head Coach Jerry Allen was pleased with yesterday’s win but says his players need to stay organised as they wait to meet Solomon Warriors FC this Sunday in the grand final match.
“Today we were lucky Henry (Fa’arodo) scored that early goal to give us the lead,” Coach Allen said.
“We had a number of chances to score today but I just don’t know how they failed to be converted. But that is football.
“If you play good football but don’t convert your chances you lose but if you play bad football but you convert your chances you win.
“Malaita Kingz played really well today with their young players. Despite the inexperience in their squad they played really well against us today.
“I think the boys dropped a little in our performance today but it all comes down to our mentality some times.
“When we play against a weak team we tend to drop down to their playing level which should not be the case. Even if your opponent is weaker you have to maintain your game intensity and consistency.
“Like I tell the boys this level is different from the champion’s league so we must continue playing at that level.
“We need to stay organised because our next games is the grand final and the OFC Champions League quarter finals.
“But I’m pleased with the boys for getting the job and result for us. For me the grand final will be a good friendly for both of our clubs because it will help us to polish up on a few areas before we travel for the quarter finals,” he said.
Marist FC will take on Solomon Warriors FC in the grand final match this Sunday at the Lawson Tama Stadium.
