A moment of calm from 22-year-old left-back Adam Supyk proved decisive as Extra Bula FC edged PNG Hekari FC 1–0 in a tightly contested match in Ba on Sunday. The solitary strike and Supyk’s all-round display earned him Player of the Match honours and delivered a crucial three points as Bula continue their push up the table.
Bula struggled to fashion clear openings for long spells against a well-organised Hekari side that defended deep and offered little space. Frustration mounted at times among the home crowd as chances were scarce, but when the opportunity arrived Supyk took it, converting the decisive finish that ultimately settled the contest.
Reflecting after the game, Supyk acknowledged the difficulty of breaking down Hekari’s defence. “Yeah, a hundred per cent, we had to work very hard. They gave us a lot to deal with and defended really deeply and really well. We found it hard to put the ball in the back of it, but one moment and we took it,” he said. He added that the goal — one he said he does not often celebrate — was particularly satisfying. “I’m just grateful that I could put it in the cup… not many goals I get to celebrate twice, but it was good.”
Supyk also singled out the Ba faithful for their role in the victory, saying the home support provided a valuable lift during the closing stages. “They were top men today and really pushed us all the way… it gives you that energy when you might be getting tired,” he said.
The result keeps Bula’s momentum alive as they aim to climb the standings, with the coaching staff and players likely to take encouragement from grinding out a win in a low-chance encounter. Supyk’s emergence as a match-winner from the full-back position will be a welcome development for the hosts, who have relied on organised defending and moments of individual quality in recent fixtures.
Attention now turns immediately to a quick turnaround: Bula FC face South Melbourne United tomorrow at 7pm in Ba. The fixture presents another test for Supyk and his teammates, who will seek to build on Sunday’s narrow victory and maintain their positive run in front of their home supporters.
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