Sairusi Nalaubu did a great job of ensuring Lautoka continued to state its case of claiming the Digicel Premier League title after scoring a brace of goals for a comprehensive 3-1 win against a resilient Nadi side during their round 10 tie of the DPL at Lautoka’s Churchill Park yesterday.
This was Viti Water Flows Lautoka’s third win since the resumption of the local premier football competition meant a concerted tilt towards claiming the top honours should not be ruled out.
The hosts’ performance was of elite quality against the rudimentary visitors, who were prepared to scrap and spoil after last week’s 0-3 thrashing at the hands of Ba however Imdad Ali’s players offered a positive approach to pick their way through opposition and they did just enough to register three valuable points.
The Zibraaz Sahib-captained outfit left it a bit late in the dying seconds of the first half through an own goal by Ashneel Kumar while attempting to thwart a Malakai Rakula shot to take a slender 1-0 lead.
National football representative Dave Radrigai’s feeble attempt from the penalty spot in the 18th minute of play was well-saved by a diving Vereti Dickson in goal for the visitors.
The hosts upped the tempo in the second stanza with two Nalaubu goals; the latter a class act when he raced clear from a Sahib through-pass and chipped the ball over a bewildered Dickson.
Victorious coach Ali said it was a good game.
“They played very well,” he said.
“We came for the three points and we were successful. “Mission accomplished.”
Captain Sahib added some improvements were needed in the team’s next match.
“We’re happy with the result,” he said. “The boys did well today to earn maximum points.
“We will have to improve on certain areas that Nadi exposed us before our next match.”
Lautoka’s sweet win mounts pressure on the other title contenders Ba and Labasa as the race for the winner’s gong gathers pace.
LAUTOKA XI: (22) Beniamino Mateinagara, (3) Zibraaz Ali – C, (4) Afraz Ali, (5) Sitiveni Cavuilagi, (7) Dave Radrigai, (8) Malakai Rakula, (10) Jared Rongosulia, (11) Edward Aaron, (13) Muni Shivam Naidu, (14) Sairusi Nalaubu and (16) Atonio Tuivuna.
NADI XI: (22) Vereti Dickson, (2) Rahul Krishna, (7) William Valentine – C, (8) Ashneel Kumar, (10) Beniamino Lebatavatava, (11) Shivneel Pillay, (12) Samuela Gavo, (14) Joeli Severo, (16) Vuniuci Tikomaimereke, (17) Serevi Waqa and (20) Sakaraia Naisua.
