Last night, the Kamal Swamy coached- General Machinery Lautoka football side beat Ba 1-0 to lead the Pillay’s Garment Champion versus Champion Series.

The Blues playing in front of their fans in Churchill Park have now taken a three-point lead. Despite the win, Lautoka played with 10-men after striker Samuela Drudru copped a red card for dangerous play.

What happened: Both teams took a cautious approach at the start before Lautoka settled down and began to pile the pressure on the Ba defence. This kept their fans on the edge of their seats as the Blues went all out trying to score the first goal.

Half time: Ba 0–0 Lautoka.

Lautoka were dealt a blow early in the second spell when striker Samuela Drudru was shown the red card by referee Veer Singh for on defender Manasa Nawaikula.

Lautoka never gave up and they got rewarded in the 82nd minute when Dave Radrigai was fouled in the box. Defender Zibraaz Sahib stepped up and made no mistake with the spot kick.

The return clash is set for tomorrow at the same venue at 3pm

Star turn:  Lautoka goalie Beniamino Mateinaqara was sound in defence and was well supported by Shahib.

Big plays: Radrigai and Kavaia Rawaqa were a thorn in the Ba defence while Meli Codro, Praneel Naidu, Malakai Tiwa and veteran Kiniviliame Naika played their hearts out.

Comments: Ba coach Imdad Ali said, “The only thing that I was not happy about was the standard of refereeing.”

Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy said, “There were discipline issues but we were fortunate to get a penalty where we scored.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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