Navua threw away its chances of playing in the BBC/ Wonderchick Fiji FACT tournament semi-final in 1991 after they lost 1-2 to Suva.

An article published in The Fiji Times on April 1 that year stated it was Navua’s third pool match, a game they dominated for most of the clash.

The Ratu Suliano Matanitobua-led side scored first and led 1-0 at the breather, but lost their hold in the second spell, causing them to lose in the play-off.

Navua goalkeeper Timoci Alui, who let in Maretino Nemani’s attempt, was still kicking himself for letting in the winning goal that pushed them out of the running for the $5000 prizemoney.

Navua had taken the lead in the game when Ratu Suliano scored from two metres in front of the Suva goalmouth after he collected a header from replacement Donald Wise, who was cleverly set up by playmaker Kolaia Nabaro.

That goal came after the Reds had virtually reigned over their Southern neighbours with Nabaro, Patrick Wise, Ratu Suliano, Vatemo Rokodugu, Sukendra Singh, Salesi Tubuna and Romulo Delai setting up play.

The side looked as if they were going to head for a semi-final berth when they led 1-0 at the resumption of the second spell.

But Suva came back strongly and fought desperately to find the equaliser.

Midfielder David Low lobbed in the equaliser four minutes into the spell when he caught Alui napping after a melee in front of the Navua goal.

Low’s lobbed kick caught the whole Navua defence by surprise. Nine minutes later, Navua’s run in the tournament was doomed.

Suva skipper Nemani followed through a passing movement he had set up from his own half before sending Alui a half-hearted attempt.

But to the surprise of everyone, Alui was beaten when the ball rolled away from him, between his legs and into the empty goalmouth.

Navua came back into the game with Ratu Suliano just missing twice, a header and later a shot which were both saved by Suva’s Josaia Rabonu.

Nabaro was on hand 10 minutes from the end to try and equalise but Rabonu sensing that the Navuans still meant business, just managed to tap the ball over the bar.

Suva players Kishore Kumar and Eliki Tabaki were both yellow-carded along with Navua’s Tubuna.