A PENALTY kick made by Rewa’s Gabiriele Matanisiga in the 76th minute broke a two-all deadlock against Suva to see them win 3-2 in the latest round of the Extra Premier League in Nausori yesterday.
It was a tight contest between both teams from the first whistle as the Delta Tigers were eager to stamp a win on home turf against the Men in White.
Matanisiga opened Rewa’s account in the first half with a penalty kick in the 17th minute.
As Suva tried to respond with a goal of their own, Bruce Hughes fought through Suva’s defence to place another point for the home side in the 20th minute.
While Rewa were comfortable with a two-point lead, the visitors pounced on them a minute later with a goal, leaving the Tigers on edge.
Following the breather, both teams surrendered themselves to mistakes and it proved costly for Rewa when a foul gave way to a penalty kick for Suva.
Gagame Feni struck successfully into the goal mouth, seeing both teams tie two-all at the 57th minute.
As the contest wore on with no definite path to a win in sight for both teams, a blunder by Suva gave way to a penalty kick for the home team.
Matanisiga answered the side’s plea for change as the ball swung from afar and between the goal posts in the 76th minute.
With yesterday’s win over Suva, Rewa moves ahead in the league standings while Suva continues to find its winning momentum.
Coach Rodicks Singh attributed their win to sticking themselves to the basics.
“The message was simple; keep it simple,” Singh said.
“We got ourselves into a two goal lead and then we did some unnecessary mistakes which caused Suva to score.
“Go to the basics, do the basics right and play according to the game, what the game is demanding.”
Following yesterday’s win, Rewa will meet Navua this Friday.
