Goals in quick succession from Kema Jack and Joachin Waroi sealed the victory for the Papua New Guinea club champions in humid, overcast conditions at PMRL Stadium in Port Moresby on Saturday.
Both teams were desperate to pick up points after disappointing results in the opening two rounds of the competition.
After an evenly balanced first half, the home side finally got the breakthrough three minutes after half-time with an excellent far post header by Jack off a right wing corner. Joachin Waroi then doubled the lead within five minutes when he flicked the ball in from close range. Marist had desperately cleared the ball away but it was judged to have crossed the line.
The visitors kept pushing and were rewarded with a goal in the 82nd minute when Solomon Islands international Commins Menapi headed home at the near post from a corner.
It made for an intriguing finish but Jerry Allen’s side were able to hold on to pick up maximum points.
Hekari United now sit third in Group B on four points behind Lautoka and Tafea FC on six and seven points respectively. Marist meanwhile are languishing at the bottom of the table having not picked up a single point in their three O-League outings.
The 2010 O-League will now take a break until February.
2010 O-LEAGUE RESULT [MATCH DAY 3]
Hekari United FC: 2 (Kema JACK 48’, Joachim WAROI 52’)
Marist FC: 1 (Commins MENAPI 82’)
Saturday 5 December 2009
PMRL Stadium
Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea