PORT MORESBY: Australia has qualified for the 2004 FIFA Under 19 World Championship in Thailand on 10-27 November after defeating the host nation of the Oceania qualifiers Papua New Guinea, 14-1, in Port Moresby today.

After some early pressure, the Young Matildas pulled away for a comfortable win in front of 4,215 spectators packed into Lloyd Robson Oval.

The margin of victory perhaps did not properly reflect the nature of the match itself. The PNG team fought gallantly particularly in the first half but were unable to match it with the Young Matildas who were clearly superior in all areas.

Staring down the barrel of a 0-9 deficit at the break, the partisan crowd urged their charges on in the second half and they responded with a gallant second half performance when the score threatened to blow out of control.

The local fans were in raptures when the versatile Neilen Kimbai, who just minutes earlier had slotted in at goalkeeper for the injured Kiwi Toba, was called up to take a penalty awarded by Solomon Islands referee Michael Afu after lively replacement Martha Kiapin was brought down in the penalty area.

Limbai, the most experienced member of the PNG team having represented her country at the OFC Women's World Cup qualifiers last year, calmly slotted past Young Matildas goalkeeper Claire O'Shea to give PNG a well deserved goal.

In the end, the Australians cruised to victory with Leah Blayney collecting a brace of goals, including the last of the match, to go with her five from the previous match against the Solomon Islands. This made her the tournament's top scorer with seven goals in total.

Selin Kuralay scored a hat-trick of goals against PNG, as did Kylie Ledbrook who scored in both halves.

Jenna Tristram was also impressive coming in the second half to grab two goals. Alannah Reed, Katie Hilder, Renee Cartwright and Sally Shipard rounded out the scoring for the Australians.

There was some consolation for the local team as Papua New Guinea was announced afterwards by OFC Match Commissioner George Dick, as the Fair Play award winner.

The final points tally sees Australia winning with six points. PNG and Solomons were tied with 1 point apiece after their first round scoreless draw. Both teams were tied on goal difference but PNG takes out second place courtesy of scoring a goal whereas Solomons did not score.

But the performance of the Solomons was a positive sign given it was their first international women's tournament.

Match 3: Papua New Guinea vs Australia / Statistical Review

Full-time score: 1-14

Half-time score: 0-9

Scorers:

Aus - (10) Leah Blayney 11', 95+; (16) Alannah Reed 21'; (7) Kylie Ledbrook 27', 45', 51'; (11) Katie Hilder 30'; (9) Selin Kuralay 35', 36', 49'; (14) Renee Cartwright 40'; (6) Sally Shipard 43', (17) Jenna Tristram 73', 78'

PNG - (18) Neilen Limbai pen 69'

Cautions: nil

Expulsions: nil

Weather: fine, humid, 30 degrees celsius

Crowd attendance: 4,215

Match Officials:

Referee: Michael Afu (Solomon Islands)

Assistant Referee 1: Mata Iroa (Cook Islands)

Assistant Referee 2: Michelle Treloar (Australia)

Fourth Official: Jacqui Melksham (Australia)

Match Commissioner: George Dick (Australia)

Referee Inspector: Ken Wallace (New Zealand)

Team Line-ups (& Substitutes)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

20 Kiwi Toba GK

3 Edith Sabaewa (c)

5 Karen Dobbin

6 Esther Muta(-18')

7 Cecily Dobbin

8 Cecilia Dobbin (-46')

10 Caroline Moeder

12 Samantha Peninsa

15 Aileen Lepani (-55')

16 Jacqueline Chalau

18 Neilen Limbai

Subs:

1 Josepha Nion RGK

2 Beverly Bilie (+55')

4 Martha Kiapin (+18')

9 Patricia Logha (+46')

11 Talita Dobbin

13 Francisca Mandoni

14 Ludy Sabaewa

17 Jenny Mogi

19 Helen Samba

Coach: John Davani

AUSTRALIA

18 Claire O'Shea GK

2 Elissia Canham

4 Emma Davision (C)

6 Sally Shipard

7 Kylie Ledbrook

9 Selin Kuralay (-65')

10 Leah Blayney

11 Katie Hilder (-46')

12 Julia Bazi

13 Kim Carroll

16 Alannah Reed (-34')

Subs:

1 Alison Logue RGK

3 Nicole Somi

5 Ellen Beaumont

8 Lauren Colthorpe (+46')

14 Renee Cartwright (+34')

15 Leena Khamis

17 Jenna Tristram (+65')

Coach: Adrian Santrac

Points Ladder

Teams P W D L For Against Diff. Pts

Australia 2 2 0 0 27 1 +26 6

Papua New Guinea 2 0 1 1 1 14 -13 1

Solomon Islands 2 0 1 1 0 13 -13 1

After round 3

PORT MORESBY: The Australian Young Matildas overwhelmed the Solomon Islands 13-0 in the second match of the 2004 OFC Under 19 Women's Qualifying Tournament at the Lloyd Robson Oval, Port Moresby this afternoon.

A hat-trick of goals to Australian forward Leena Khamis paved the way for a 9-0 halftime lead. She added two more goals to her tally in the second half to give her five for the match. But the Solomon Islands team lifted themselves after the break to hold their more experienced opponents to just 4 goals in the second stanza.

The Young Matildas came out firing from the opening whistle, scoring within the first minute as Selin Kuralay ghosted her way through the bewildered Solomon Islands defence to beat goalkeeper Betty Sade, the hero from the opening round draw against hosts Papua New Guinea. Khamis scored Australia's second goal a few minutes later.

But the Solomons were able to shake off the early nerves to settle into the match with the help of the near one and a half thousand spectators, all supporting the underdogs. It was a testimony to the mental resolve of the beaten team that they were able to keep the Australians at bay and scoreless in the final quarter of the match.

Papua New Guinea now faces a huge challenge in the final match of the tournament this Saturday 24 April when they play Australia, who have all but booked their ticket to Thailand to represent Oceania at the forthcoming 2004 FIFA Under 19 Women's World Championship on 10-27 November.

Match 2: Australia vs Solomon Islands / Statistical Review

Full-time score: 13-0

Half-time score: 9-0

Scorers: Aus - (9) Selin Kuralay 1', 61'; (15) Leena Khamis 4', 18', 32', 57', 76'; (7) Kylie Ledbrook 27'; (17) Jenna Tristram 35'; (6) Sally Shipard 38'; (10) Leah Blayney 39', 47+'; (14) Renee Cartwright 56'

Cautions: nil

Expulsions: nil

Weather: Mainly fine with light winds (SE), 31 degrees celsius

Crowd attendance: 1473

Match Officials:

Referee: Paul Lynch (Cook Islands)

Assistant Referee 1: Mata Iroa (Cook Islands)

Assistant Referee 2: Sarah Ho (Australia)

Fourth Official: Michael Afu (Solomon Islands)

Match Commissioner: George Dick (Australia)

Referee Inspector: Ken Wallace (New Zealand)

Team Line-ups (& Substitutes)

AUSTRALIA

1 Alison Logue GK

2 Elissia Canham

3 Nicole Somi

4 Emma Davision (C)

5 Ellen Beaumont (-63')

6 Sally Shipard (-46')

7 Kylie Ledbrook

9 Selin Kuralay

10 Leah Blayney

15 Leena Khamis

17 Jenna Tristram (-46')

Subs:

8 Lauren Colthorpe (+46'')

11 Katie Hilder

12 Julia Bazi

13 Kim Carroll (+63')

14 Renee Cartwright (+46')

16 Alannah Reed

18 Claire O'Shea

Coach: Adrian Santrac

SOLOMON ISLANDS

1 Betty Sade GK

2 Rose Gwali

3 Gael Donga (-46')

5 Elsie Ringi

6 Rafe Akau Belo

8 Fiona Komole

9 Esther Buga

11 Ednah Donga (-46')

14 Alice Suluna

17 Vanessa Inifiri (-58') injured

18 Mary Dongai

Subs:

4 Belinda Susana

7 Elizabeth Kalae

10 Ellen Vakatao (+46')

12 Noelyn Wagapu (+58')

13 Julie Oge

15 Lisa Malefo (+46')

16 Margaret Pisu

19 Lavinia Daonanita

20 Mendilyn Pita

Coach: Rex Masuaka

Points Ladder

Teams P W D L For Against Diff. Pts

Australia 1 1 0 0 13 0 +13 3

Papua New Guinea 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1

Solomon Islands 2 0 1 1 0 13 -13 1

After round 2

Remaining Games

24 April 2004 Match 3 Papua New Guinea vs Australia Lloyd Robson Oval 3:00pm

PORT MORESBY: Australian women's referee Jacqui Melksham has been given the nod to officiate in her first OFC match when she walks out to the middle for the opening match of the 2004 OFC Under 19 Women's Qualifying Tournament between host nation Papua New Guinea and international women's football debutants, Solomon Islands.

She will be supported by fellow countrymen, women assistant referees Michelle Treloar and Sarah Ho, who will also make their OFC debuts with Cook Islands referee Paul Lynch making a return to the OFC scene after some years away, appointed the fourth official.

Referee Inspector, Ken Wallace, was pleased to announce yesterday that all the match officials, including New Zealand-based Solomon Islands referee, Michael Afu and Cook Islands women's assistant referee Mata Iroa had passed their fitness tests held under sweltering conditions yesterday morning at the Sir John Guise Stadium.

Mr Wallace also took time to pass on his condolensces to Samoan women's assistant referee Agape Petaia who was unable to take up her appointment for this tournament due to the passing away of her father the previous week.

Following their tests, the match officials were briefed further by Wallace on refereeing matters in a seminar held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel where the OFC delegation are staying in Port Moresby. Further seminars will be held during the course of the week.

Port Moresby: The teams and officials for the 2004 OFC Under 19 Women's Qualifying Tournament arrived yesterday in Port Moresby to a warm welcome, provided by the Papua New Guinea Football Association local organising committee.

On arrival at Jackson International Airport, the visiting teams and officials were given a VIP status welcome, greeted with fresh smelling flower-necklaces while being serenaded outside the terminal by a cultural group hailing from one of the distinctive local communities in the PNG capital.

The cultural group formed a guard of honour and performed traditional dance items as the teams and officials made their way to their transportation. The graceful melodies sung by the group were the perfect platform to launch the tournament, which is the first OFC tournament to be held in Papua New Guinea since the 2001 OFC Club Championship.

"It was a wonderful welcome provided by the PNGFA and has set the tone for the running of this tournament," remarked OFC Match Commissioner, George Dick, from Australia.

"All the arrangements so far have been impeccable and I'm sure this event will be a success."

Last night following the tournament technical meeting, the teams and officials were treated to a cocktail function hosted by the PNGFA at the Holiday Inn Hotel poolside bar. It was an opportunity for the visitors to mingle with local officials and representatives of tournament sponsors, the media and supporting local, regional and national bodies.

PNGFA president, Madiu Andrew, in his keynote address acknowledged the support for this tournament from the local community and the presence of dignitaries, officials and the players themselves. He wished all the teams well for the tournament and encouraged fair play to be observed throughout.

With the welcoming formalities now out of the way, today sees to the opening match to be played between the host nation and the Solomon Islands.

On paper, the local team has the experience and the higher ranking in women's football, but for coach John Davani and his charges, they are not at all overconfident and are treading with caution as they approach this historic match which will see Solomon Islands make their official women's soccer international debut.

"From what we have been told, the Solomon Islands have been together in camp for a while now and they are fit but other than that, we have little knowledge of their players," said Davani.

"We will certainly not underestimate them and can expect a typical hard-fought match between two Melanesian nations"

Both teams have selected squads with a view to developing the best players towards the next senior Women's World Cup qualifiers. While the Solomon Islands players lack the international experience, PNG can boast just one player, Neileen Limbai who represented her country at the OFC Women's World Cup qualifiers.

According to Solomons coach Rex Masuaka, he says the team will be judged on their progress throughout the tournament on a personal level rather than the final scoreline.

"If we improve as a team and individually as players from a technical and tactical point of view, I will be happy," he said.

"They are playing against other ladies with superior experience and who are physically bigger so it is as much a challenge mentally for us."

Watching in the Lloyd Robson Oval grandstand will be the Australian `Young Matildas' who play their first game against the Solomon Islands on Thursday, 22 April at 3:00pm. The team, led by coach, Adrian Santric have come here to win and are taking their mission seriously as was pointed out at the press conference held on their arrival at Jackson Airport.

"I am very excited about this group of players we have brought here and expect many of them to develop into future senior representatives," he said.

The playing pitch was checked by the OFC delegation yesterday and passed with flying colours. Mr George Dick praised the ground staff at Lloyd Robson Oval on the work they had put into the match venue.

The final match of the tournament will be this Saturday, 24 April at 3:00pm between the host nation and Australia.

* All results and updates can be found by visiting the Papua New Guinea FA website which is linked to the OFC website at www.oceaniafootball.com . Just click on the red and yellow coloured PNGFA logo link located just under the masthead of the OFC website on the homepage.

PORT MORESBY: The Solomon Islands made a promising debut on the women's international scene by holding their more fancied opponents Papua New Guinea to a nil all draw in the opening match of the 2004 OFC Under 19 Women's Qualifying Tournament in Port Moresby today.

In front of a vocal partisan crowd of just over 1000 people at Lloyd Robson Oval, the host nation struggled to impose themselves on the visitors who competed for every possession from start to finish.

Both sides had many clear cut chances to score but the too often promising attacking movements broke down on the final pass or the finishing was poor. PNG displayed better control on the ball not surprisingly, given their advantage in experience and playing at home.

Solomons goalkeeper Betty Sade was superb for the visitors thwarting many PNG shots on goal, particularly in the second half when PNG threatened to finally break the deadlock. Midfielders Esther Buga and Vanessa Inifiri looked impressive in their first international.

For PNG, the experienced Neilen Limbai was all over the pitch and did an admirable job for coach, John Davani when she was taken from her usual strike role to fill the hole in defence when the Solomons looked threatening.

With both teams tiring in the latter stages of the game, the scoring chances increased but the finishing again left a lot to be desired. It was a competitive, albeit mistake-ridden game, but as a spectacle, the match was played in a positive spirit and appreciated by the fans who were kept to the edge of their seats.

PNG has a bye for the second round as Australia plays its first match of the 2004 OFC Under 19 Women's Qualifying Tournament on Thursday, 22 April against the Solomon Islands. The final match is this Saturday between PNG and Australia.

Match 1: PNG vs Solomon Islands / Statistical Review

Full-time score: 0-0

Half-time score: 0-0

Scorers: none

Cautions: none

Expulsions: none

Weather: humid, light breeze

Crowd attendance: 1012

Match Officials:

Referee: Jacqui Melksham (Australia)

Assistant Referee 1: Michelle Treloar (Australia)

Assistant Referee 2: Sarah Ho (Australia)

Fourth Official: Paul Lynch (Cook Islands)

Match Commissioner: George Dick (Australia)

Referee Inspector: Ken Wallace (New Zealand)

Team Line-ups (& Substitutes)

PAPUA NEW GUINEA

20 Kiwi Toba GK

2 Beverly Bilie (-45')

3 Edith Sabaewa

4 Martha Kiapin

7 Cecily Dobbin

9 Patricia Logha (-81')

10 Caroline Moeder

12 Samantha Peninsa

15 Aileen Lepani (-26')

16 Jacqueline Chalau

18 Neilen Limbai

Subs:

1 Josepha Nion

5 Karen Dobbin (+26')

6 Esther Muta

8 Cecilia Dobbin (+45')

11 Talita Dobbin

13 Francisca Mandoni

14 Ludy Sabaewa (+81')

17 Jenny Mogi

19 Helen Samba

Coach: John Davani

SOLOMON ISLANDS

1 Betty Sade GK

2 Rose Gwali

3 Gael Donga (-65')

5 Elsie Ringi

6 Rafe Akau Belo

8 Fiona Komole

9 Esther Buga

10 Ellen Vakatao (-45')

11 Ednah Donga (-83')

17 Vanessa Inifiri

18 Mary Dongai

Subs:

4 Belinda Susana

7 Elizabeth Kalae (+45')

12 Noelyn Wagapu

13 Julie Oge

14 Alice Suluna

15 Lisa Malefo (+65')

16 Margaret Pisu (+83')

19 Lavinia Daonanita

20 Mendilyn Pita

Coach: Rex Masuaka

ASA: Matildas captain Cheryl Salisbury has been selected in the FIFA Women's All Star Team to play world champions Germany in Paris next month. FIFA, the world governing body of soccer, announced the 18-player team overnight, a collection of some of the world's biggest names who will feature in a major part of FIFA's Centennial celebrations.

Defender Salisbury, from Newcastle, is the only Australian to have played in every women's senior FIFA event for which Australia has qualified - the FIFA Women's World Cups of 1995, 1999, and 2003, and the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. The 30-year-old is also Australia's all-time female top international goalscorer with 28 goals to her name, and her 93 caps makes her our second-highest capped female.

Salisbury has played professionally, most recently for New York Power in the American WUSA, and for three seasons during the mid-1990s in Japan's L-League.

"I'm very excited to be one of the players for the FIFA All Star Team, and to play alongside and against some of the best players in the world, all on one field," said Salisbury. "I was also really excited to see my teammate from New York Power and World Cup player Shannon Boxx is in the side. It will be a fantastic opportunity to be part of such a monumental occasion celebrating FIFA's Centennial."

The FIFA Women's All Star Team versus Germany match will kick off a magnificent showpiece of football on 20 May 2004 at the Stade de France in Paris. Their game will be followed by the men's match between France and Brazil.

FIFA Women's All Star Team -

Goalkeepers - Caroline Jonsson (SWE), Memunatu Sulemana (GHA).

Defenders - Cheryl Salisbury (AUS), Corinne Diacre (FRA), Charmaine Hooper (CAN), Daniela (BRA), Wang Liping (CHN), Marwa Ibrahim El Hawat (EGY).

Midfielders - Shannon Boxx (USA), Marta (BRA), Malin Mostrom (SWE), Stephanie Mugneret-Beghe (FRA), Homare Sawa (JPN), Naima El Awady (ALG).

Strikers - Victoria Svensson (SWE), Marinette Pichon (FRA), Mercy Akide (NGA), Abby Wambach (USA).

Coaches - Marika Domanski-Lyfors (SWE), Elisabeth Loisel (FRA).

NZS: The Board of New Zealand Soccer has confirmed the successful applicants for the New National League competition, due to start in October 2004.

8 Licences have been granted to the following entities:

Otago United

Based in Dunedin at the Caledonian Ground. Otago United has the support of all clubs in the Soccersouth Federation, from South Canterbury to Southland.

Canterbury United

Based at English Park in Christchurch, Canterbury United has the support of all Mainland Soccer Federation clubs.

Team Wellington

Based at Newtown Park in Wellington, Team Wellington has the support of 18 clubs in the Capital Soccer Federation and strong council support to upgrade facilities at Newtown Park.

YoungHeart Manawatu

Based at Memorial Park in Palmerston North, Manawatu enjoys strong Council and regional support. Plans are already underway to upgrade Memorial Park, including television standard floodlighting.

Napier City

Based at Park Island in Napier. Park Island is already considered one of the more impressive `boutique' grounds in New Zealand, with future plans to introduce floodlighting. Based largely on the successful Napier City Rovers club.

Waikato FC

Based at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton and enjoying the support of clubs in the Waikato region. An entrepreneurial bid with no financial burden on the clubs. Strong council support to maximise the community use of Waikato Stadium.

Auckland City

Based at Kiwitea St in Sandringham. Like Napier City, Auckland City is based on the previously successful Central United club. Substantial plans to upgrade Kiwitea St, including covered seating, is supported by the City Council.

Waitakere United

Based at the new The Trust Stadium in Henderson. A combined effort from 11 West Auckland clubs from Metro in Mt Albert to Norwest in the Kaipara. Includes former National League champions Waitakere and Bay Olympic (formerly Blockhouse Bay).

The competition will be played over a 3 round format, commencing in mid October 2004. The top 3 will qualify for the finals, with the winner going direct to the Grand Final at their home venue. The Grand Final winner will represent New Zealand in the lucrative FIFA World Club Championships Oceania Qualifying Series in Tahiti April 2005. The winner of this tournament will represent Oceania at the FIFA World Club Championships in December 2005. The draw and further details will be published in the coming weeks.

In making their decision, the Board of New Zealand Soccer considered 11 applications before deciding on the final 8. Chairman John Morris described the process as exhaustive. "The information the selection panel presented was extremely detailed, hence the delay in announcing our decision. This is a once only opportunity to put a stake in the ground and produce a National League competition to meet New Zealand Soccer's objectives on and off the park. My first comment is to thank all who have contributed to this process in all 11 applications. We have made 8 organisations happy with today's news but equally 3 will feel deflated. It is our wish that they continue to devote time and energy to the game in their regions. To borrow a phrase from FIFA however, this is about the "Good of the Game" and the Board decided on 8 teams as being ideal for the next 3 years, in particular from a playin

The new competition will address a number of key areas.

Playing standards

Coaching standards

Facilities - for participants and spectators

Media

Financial viability

Geographical playing depth

New Zealand Soccer CEO Bill MacGowan, who was on the review panel, was impressed by the applications received.

"It is clear that the review of the competition has sparked a great deal of thought and debate across New Zealand. Previously divided regions have come together in order to promote the code and ensure National League opportunities in their cities and towns.

It has also been refreshing to see local council support with investment in facilities identified as a crucial area with regards playing standards, spectator comfort and media coverage.

Quite simply the bar had to be raised and under the old format individual clubs couldn't carry that burden alone - our National League history is littered with financial disasters and as a national body we weren't prepared for that to continue. We were also concerned with addressing player strength and depth in geographical sense."

3 applications were not granted Licences by the Board of New Zealand Soccer, they are:

Ole Madrids (Wellington)

Team Bay of Plenty

East Auckland FC

VFF/SIFF, Port Vila: The Solomon Islands national team defeated Vanuatu, 2-1, in the second friendly match yesterday in Port Vila, to secure a series sweep after winning the first match last Saturday by the same score-line margin.

In front of another packed house at Korman Stadium, Vanuatu again struck first with the first goal after 18 minutes. But thereafter, there weren't too many chances for the home team as the visitors dominated the possession. The Vanuatu goal came about against the run of play as the potent Solomons front-line again kept the Vanuatu defence busy from the opening whistle to the end.

Despite being down early, the Solomons persistence was finally rewarded when wily veteran striker Batram Suri headed in the equaliser in the 34th minute after a good build-up. The Solomon Islands suffered a blow just before the break when Philip Kaukui got his marching orders for a second bookable offence pulling down Vanuatu striker Jean Maleb on a typical surging drive to the goal.

But even with ten men down for the remaining half, the Solomon Islands were simply too organised for the tiring Vanuatu team. Despite valiant attempts to break the deadlock, the Vanuatu players could not break down the Solomons defence which held strong. The Solomons clinched victory towards the end through Commins Menapi blasting home the winner which deflated the home side who showed more attacking enterprise compared to the first match but was not able to finish.

A good gesture from players and officials of both sides followed after the final whistle as they mingled and shook hands with the supporters and fans that turned up, all with smiles having witnessed another Melanesian extravaganza.

It was a good sign for visitors after a nightmarish 12 months where the national team failed to live up to expectations at last year's South Pacific Games then its national under 23 team which included the likes of NSL star Henry Fa'arodo, suffered a shock 0-1 loss to Samoa en route to a disappointing fourth place finish in the Olympic Qualifiers.

But with the arrival of English FA coach Alan Gillett in early March and the inception of a new semi-pro national league back in Honiara, catering for elite club players, a new leaf has seemingly been turned. Defeating Vanuatu on their home soil, no matter what their strength is a difficult assignment in itself so to win two on the trot and winning over the local fans at the same time means a good start to Solomon Islands campaign for World Cup qualification. Vanuatu on the other hand was undermanned up front and not as fit or prepared and will no doubt bounce back in time for next month's qualifiers.

The Solomon Islands team now returns to Honiara to prepare for their next warm-up match against a visiting Adelaide team from Australia next week. Later this month, the team will travel to Fiji for three further warm-up friendly internationals.

PAPEETE: After suffering a rare defeat in round three, Pirae powered back into form with an emphatic 6-0 thumping of Tamarii Faa'a in week four of Tahiti's championship top four playoffs.

The crucial win has placed the reigning league champion back on top after Tefana and Manu Ura had surged ahead after the previous round. In the other playoff match, Manu Ura survived a torrid battle with Tefana to win 1-0.

In the promotion-relegation playoffs, PTT edged Arue 2-1 while Dragon got their revenge over Venus winning 2-1.

The final round of the playoffs is this weekend with the semi-final set for 20 April and final on 25 April.

Week 4 results

Pirae-Tam. Faa'a 6-0

Manu Ura-Tefana 1-0

Arue-PTT 1-2

Dragon-Vénus 2-1

Points Ladder - top four play-off

Teams Pts P W D L F A Diff

1. Pirae 13 4 3 0 1 11 4 +7

2. Manu Ura 13 4 3 0 1 9 2 +7

3. Tefana 10 4 2 0 2 4 3 +1

4. Tam. Faa¹a 4 4 0 0 4 3 18 -15

Points Ladder - bottom four play-off

Teams Pts P W D L F A Diff

1. Dragon 13 4 3 0 1 13 1 +12

2. PTT 13 4 3 0 1 5 5 0

3. Vénus 10 4 2 0 2 8 2 +6

4. Arue 4 4 0 0 4 2 20 -18

Meanwhile, the Polynesian Cup quarterfinals took place on the weekend. Dragon defeated Tiare Tahiti Moorea 3-2, Division one Excelsior upset Tamarii Faa'a 3-1 while Manu Ura thumped division one Vairao 6-0. The last quarterfinal played yesterday saw Pirae beat Tefana on an extra-time golden goal.

Polynesian Cup

1/4 final results

Dragon (DH)/Tiare Tahiti Moorea 3-2

Excelsior (D1)/Tamarii Faa'a 3-1

Manu Ura (DH)/Vairao (D1) 6-0

Pirae (DH)/Tefana (DH) 1-0

TFA, Nuku'alofa: After holding its annual general meeting on 31 March 2004, the Tonga Football Association is now gearing up for a big year when it kicks off its soccer season next week. A pre-season men and women's tournament will cap of proceedings as the various clubs and teams shake of the off-season cobwebs.

In May, the TFA moves up a gear as the showpiece of its competition schedule, the national premier league commences. In the same month, the TFA will celebrate the inauguration of its goal project in Atele, a realisation of a dream for local soccer officials and fans who now have a place they can truly call home.

The King of Tonga has confirmed his presence at the opening of the new TFA headquarters and academy which is complimented by four quality international standard playing pitches.

The increasingly popular Secondary Schools soccer competition will start in Mid-June. This competition will be run for 10 to 12 weeks.

Presently, the Tonga FA is involved in preparing its national men's team for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in May. Coach Milan Jankovic did a superb job with the national under 23 team which did well at the January Olympic qualifiers and his influence will again be evident on his senior squad who have been placed in the difficult group 1 for the Stage 1 qualifiers in Honiara alongside hosts Solomon Islands, Tahiti, New Caledonia and polynesian rivals Cook Islands.