Tailevu-Naitasiri has moved into third position on the Digicel Premier League points table after a hard-fought 1-nil win over Navua at Pacific Harbour yesterday.
Tailevu-Naitasiri had a heartbreaking 2-3 loss to a much stronger Suva side a week earlier while in contrast, Navua went into the match having thumped Labasa 3-nil a week earlier.
After a scrappy first 30 minutes, Sikeli Tuiloma fired home a piledriver which went past Navua goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini.
The Navua defence failed to clear a long cross which fell onto the legs of Tuiloma who fired from outside the box.
The teams rested with Tailevu-Naitasiri leading 1-nil.
Navua came out strongly in the second spell.
But it was the stubborn defence of Tailevu-Naitasiri which stood tall.
Apart from some half chances, Navua failed to provide much of an attack on the opponent’s goal.
Veteran Simione Tamanisau came on as a striker late into the match and helped his side hold on for three crucial points.
Tailevu-Naitasiri coach Nigel Khan was pleased to have won three points.
“It was a fast-paced match. We had our chances and we scored early. Navua also had their chances. I am happy to see the team progress week by week,” he said.
Meanwhile, Suva continues its winning streak after beating Nasinu 4-2 at the ANZ Stadium.
Shahil Dave scored Suva’s first goal to lead 1-0 at halftime.
Suva extended the lead when the match resumed through Azariah Soromon, Samuela Drudru scored the third, while replacement Mohammed Sazil sealed the win.
Nasinu scored through Taniela Rakariva and Nasoni Mereke.
Teams:
Navua:
Senirusi Bokini, Arami Manumanubai, Isake Naduvu, Simione Domoni, Kirtesh Prasad, Monit Chand, Vinit Chand, Alfred Ali, Melvin Mani, Vinal Prasad, Mathew Charitar
Tailevu-Naitasiri:
Jason Rokovucake, Sairusi Qiolevu, Rusiate Qio, Abhishek Deo, Vilimone Balilevuka, Mohammed Naizal, Josua Raqamu, Epeli Valevou, Ratu Simione Raqe, Asaeli Tunidau, Prashant Chand
