VETERAN Alvin Avinesh powered in a low pile-driver late in injury time to earn Lautoka a 1-all draw against Nadi in a tension filled Courts Inter District Championship fixture at Prince Charles Park yesterday.
The clash of the neighbours had its fair share of drama with two classic goals, several crude challenges, a head butt, yellow cards and a send-off as referee Ravitesh Behari had to take strict control.
To top it all, the match tension spilled on to the pavilion and the embankment with a few abusive fans escorted out of the venue by police officers and security guards.
There was a lot of hope for the star-studded Shop N Save sponsored Blues team to make a bright start, but there was too much individual play.
Rams Cleaning/Jack’s-sponsored Nadi lost Lekima Gonerau through a red card in the 63rd minute for a second bookable offence and the introduction of Valerio Nawatu and Jone Vonu Jnr paid dividends for the visitors.
Lautoka coach Lambert Sarju said at half time, he reminded the boys to keep the pressure until the final whistle. Sarju said they did not lose hope after conceding a goal in the 27th minute.
“It was a tough match and we conceded a goal in the first half. At half time I told the boys that 45 minutes were remaining and not to panic. I told them to play with confidence and keep their structure. We started using the flanks more and got the draw.
“It was Nadi’s home game so drawing on their turf is a good result for us.”
Lautoka will face Suva next and Sarju said they had to cut out the individual play.
Nadi Football Association president Navneeda Gounder said the red card made the difference as the players were fatigued towards the end.
“We played with 10 players against a very strong Lautoka side for nearly 30 minutes and there was a lot of tension,” Gounder said.
“We have Dreketi next on Wednesday. They drew with Suva so we will not underestimate them.”
Nadi made use of the lapse of concentration by the Lautoka defenders on the left flank with Napolioni Qasevakatini nailing in a screamer from the edge of the box past goalkeeper Senirusi Bokini.
Qasevakatini was replaced towards the end of the half by goalkeeper-cum striker Benaminio Mateinaqara. Soon after a long clearance from Vereti Dickson found Mateinaqara whose header just scraped past the post with Bokini well beaten.
Nawatu came on replacing Peni Finau and took a bicycle attempt from inside the box to the delight of the fans but unfortunately for Lautoka, the ball sailed over the cross bar.
The tension stayed in the match until the dying stages as Edward Justin tackled Samuela Drudru from the back and the Nadi striker retaliated with a head butt.
Both were shown the yellow card.
With fourth official Andrew Achari showing four minutes of extra time Lautoka was awarded a free kick close to the embankment corner flag.
Zibraaz Sahib floated the ball in the Nadi box and Samuela Kautoga laid it on for Avinesh who slammed it in off a deflection to claim a last gasp draw.
Nadi: Vereti Dickson, Rahul Krishna, William Valentine, Munit Krishna, Ilimotama Jese, Ame Votoniu, Lekima Gonerau, Samuela Drudru, Napolioni Qasevakatini, Eliki Ravosai (captain), Luke Rawadamu.
Lautoka: Senirusi Bokini, Samuela Kautoga, Zibraaz Sahib, Kelvin Naidu, Kavaia Rawaqa, Jone Vesikula, Alvin Avinesh (captain), Dave Radrigai, Kolinio Sivoki, Ratu Josefata Dugucagi.
