Published in The Fiji Times on Tuesday, May 29, 2001
William Work scored a goal after 42 minutes and Nadroga sent defending champions Lautoka out of the Fiji Bitter FACT tournament at Lawaqa Park yesterday.
The goal sent a record 6000 fans into a frenzy and the Stallions are just a game away from keeping their promise of winning the tournament.
For the Blues, it was a disappointing end of what had been a good three days of soccer.
“We didn’t want thnhgs to end in that manner but it did,” said dejected Blues team director Nicholas Rounds.
“It took a defensive blunder by our players to give the title away.
“The loss is not what we wanted but what’s done is done and now we have to look forward and prepare for the rest of the national league.
“But this tournament was not entirely unsuccessful for us because our association finally solved their problems and we can only work together and improve our status on and off the field from here.”
The defending champions might be well and out of the championship but Nadroga fans are in for a treat as they look for their second FACT title.
The hard Lawaqa turf was softened by rain on Sunday night and the Blues did not adapt to the conditions.
The Stallions adjusted well to the playing surface and had Lautoka goal-keeper Iosefo Vosaboto under immense pressure.
But the former national rep excelled under the circumstances and kept his forwards busy with quick balls to them.
Watisoni Voli and Salesh Sami kept applying pressure on the Nadroga goal but supported by the home support and a tight defence, Nadroga survived some close calls.
Work and Atunesh Prasad featured prominently for the Stallions but their hard work did not seem to crack the tight Lautoka defence.
But in the second half, a defensive blunder by Tama Vosuga and Vosaboto left an open goalmouth for Work to hammer in the match winner from six yards.
It was sweet revenge for Nadroga as Lautoka beat them 2-0 at last year’s Fiji FACT final in Nadi.
Four heads are better than one. Nadroga players celebrate. Pictures: ASAELI LAVE and RAMA/FT FILE
Passport to glory…Iosefo Vosaboto of Lautoka scrambles in vain as Nadroga scores in the semi-finals. Pictures: ASAELI LAVE and RAMA/FT FILE
Dance with the ball…Action from the Lautoka-Nadroga semi-final. Pictures: ASAELI LAVE and RAMA/FT FILE
