The Labasa football team won it’s first match of the Digicel Fiji Premier League this season after edging Tailevu Naitasiri 2-1 at the Uprising Sports Complex in Pacific Harbour yesterday.
The win comes during a much-needed situation for the Northerners who entered round four camped at the bottom of the points table.
Labasa had the upper hand in the first spell but failed to find the back of the net as both teams rested tied nil-all at the break.
Ashneel Raju and Shivam Shandil scored for the Babasiga Lions as they took a 2-nil lead in the second spell.
Sekove Naivakanainumi was sent off for Labasa after a dangerous foul midway in the second spell.
Tailevu Naitasiri tried hard and pulled one goal back through Nischal Lal in the 89th minute. Labasa held on in the dying minutes to register the win.
Coach Gordan Leewai said the the side needed the win.
“We have had a tough three weeks but I am pleased the boys came and gave us the much needed win. We played well for the first 70 minutes but after the red card we had to change our tactics and I’m glad we managed to hold on,” Leewai said.
Tailevu Naitasiri coach Tagi Vonalagi said it was a good effort from his boys.
“We played well but were unfortunate in the end not to equalise. We will go back and come back stronger for our next match,” said Tagi.
Teams
Labasa: Simone Tamanisau, Sitiveni Rakai, Christopher Wasasala, Rusiate Doidoi, Ashnil Raju, Shivam Shandil, Sekove Naivakanainumi, Akeimi Ralulu, Ilisoni Lolaivalu, Ilaisa Vulinamaivuso, Lekima Gonerau
Tailevu Naitasiri: Samula Navasa, Ravikash Krishna, Mohammed Naizal, Prashant Chand, Jone Naraba, Abhishek Deo, Mohammed Rasasa, Geary Kubu, Asaeli Tunidau, France Catarogo, Mosese Nabose
