LAUTOKA walloped a lethargic Nadi team 6-0 in the feature match of the Vodafone Premier League round 2 match at Churchill Park in Lautoka yesterday.
More than 2000 patrons watched the one sided clash under humid conditions.
Led by Topline, Lautoka native Poasa Bainivalu, the hosts played crisp one touch football which was a delight to watch.
Lautoka played with a slight breeze advantage in the first spell and were always on the offensive creating goal scoring opportunities at will.
Stylish midfielder Dave Radrigai broke the deadlock in the 22nd minute when he scored from a spot kick after Nadi’s right back Joshua Tawake handled the ball inside the penalty box.
Vanuatu import Alex Saniel doubled the Sugar City boys’ tally in the 42nd minute after a defensive blunder from former national representative Avinesh Swamy, who endured a disastrous debut in the green jersey.
The Lautoka outfit which will fly to Vanuatu on Wednesday for the 2020 OFC Champions League, led 2-0 at halftime.
The rusty ‘Green Machine’ playing from the hospital end of Churchill Park in the second spell, suffered more misery when Joshua Tawake was given his marching orders in the opening seconds for a crude tackle on Dave Radrigai.
The resulting free kick was easily tapped in by youngster Navneel Nand with the Nadi defence in disarray.
The jetsetters tried hard to pick up the pieces, but the Blues’ stoic defence stayed firm.
Pint sized striker and defenders nightmare Shazil Ali made it 4-0 with a bullet left footer from outside the penalty box.
Nadi lost all fighting spirit and Shazil danced around the weak Nadi defence to score a beautiful goal in the 69th minute and he grabbed his hat trick in the 79th minute for a 6-0 score line.
Nadi was a shadow of a side and surely needs a wake-up call whereas Lautoka capitalised on even the half chances that came its way because goal scoring is an important component in the game of football.
“I brought some new players and I have a young squad. They did well but more hard work is required because the OFC Champions League is a different level,” said former wizard of Fijian soccer Anand Sami.
“I respect the opponents, but Lautoka will give everyone a good go,” he said.
Meanwhile, Waitakere United’s Liam Anderson is expected to be the first choice goalkeeper for the Sugar City team as its focus shifts to Vanuatu for the 2020 OFC Champions League campaign.
Lautoka leads the 2020 Vodafone Premier League points table with six points and have amassed a massive 12 goals in its two matches.
The teams:
Lautoka – Joela Biuvanua (23), Zibraaz Sahib (3), Shazil Ali (4), Poasa Bainivalu (5), Dave Radrigai (7), Navneel Nand (8), Samuela Gavo (10), Edward Aaron (11), Alex Saniel (12), Shivam Naidu (13) and Arami Manumanubai (18).
Nadi – Vereti Dickson (22), Afraaz Ali (23), Joshua Tawake (4), Rusiate Matarerega (5) and captain, Vuniuci Tikomaimereke (3), Tito Vodowaqa (10), Peni Tuigulagula (20), Napolioni Qasevakatini (15), Ashneel Kumar (7), Avinesh Swamy (12) and Sakaraia Naisua (18).
