LABASA FC handed Lautoka FC their first defeat of the Extra Premier League season after claiming a hard-fought 2-1 victory at Churchill Park yesterday.
Labasa took a 1-0 lead into halftime thanks to a stunning strike from Jerard Avock, who capitalised on a defensive error from the Blues.
Lautoka had their chances to level the score in the opening spell, but one effort was brilliantly saved by the Lions goalkeeper while another rattled the crossbar.
The visitors looked dangerous on the counterattack throughout the first half and remained disciplined in defence, frustrating Lautoka’s attacks and denying them clear scoring opportunities.
Labasa returned in the second half with greater intensity and continued to dominate the match. Avock again proved influential with his attacking brilliance, beating several Lautoka defenders before setting up Peniasi Rotidara, who calmly slotted home his first goal for Labasa since joining from Suva FC to extend the lead to 2-0.
Backed by their home crowd, Lautoka regrouped and eventually pulled one back through Rusiate Matarerega, giving the Blues hope of a comeback.
However, Labasa maintained control in the closing stages and defended well to secure an important away win.
Labasa head coach Alvin Chand praised his players after the match.
“First of all I want to thank my players, they have worked really hard in the past two days and we knew Lautoka is a tough side.
“The boys knew that so we focused on a few areas during training and the results were on our side today,” Chand said.
