Nippy Ba striker Meli Codro smashed home the winner from a powerful left shot that lifted Ba to a 2-1 victory over nine men Lautoka at Govind Park last night.

In a physical encounter which saw Lautoka’s Peni Finau and Dave Radrigai being red carded, both teams played a fast paced game in front of close to 3000 fans.

Referee Sunil Narayan’s call against Finau was argued by the veteran player who clearly had already kicked the ball away and then coming into contact with the Ba player for which he was booked and sent off.

What happened

The two teams played at an amazing pace in the first half with some constructive soccer.

The defence for both sides proved the mainstay in seeing the teams go to the break scoreless.

In the 68th minute, Ba was awarded a penalty after Maciu Dunadamu was brought down in the box.

After recovering he stepped up to give Ba the 1-0 lead.

Radrigai and Finau were then given their marching orders after copping second yellow cards.

In the 35th minute, Ba keeper Josaia Ratu chopped down Lautoka striker Mohammed Shazil in the box.

Zibraaz Sahib stepped up and sent Ratu the wrong way for the teams to be levelled.

However, Codro had the last say when Senirusi Bokini was caught out of place for a well earned 2-1  victory.

Big Play

Codro’s blistering speed which earned him the goal and Finau’s sending off.

Comments

Ba coach Imdaad Ali said Ba deserved the win and his players played well.

“I am happy with the win as it has left us eight points clear of Lautoka. However, we still have three games and need to play well as we respect all our opponents.”

Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy did not wish to comment on the referee’s decisions.

First Win For Nadro

Heshal Kumar, 19,  penalty on injury time secured Nadroga’s their first three points in the Vodafone Premier League at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka last night.

The 1-0 win gives the Stallions a chance to avoid relegation if they win the  three remaining matches.

Kumar scored the lone goal through a penalty in the 93rd minute. This was after Nadi defender Mataiasi Toma was red carded by referee Munaf Basha for a hand ball in the penalty box.

The match was delayed as Nadi players confronted the referee and the fourth officials for that call.

Police and security officials entered the ground to cool the tempers.

Nadroga captain Archie Underwood said, “We are happy and it’s our first win.”

Nadi Coach Joseph Nand said, “You saw what happened and football cannot go on like this.”