Rain fails to stop Dreketi
Veteran midfielder Vulivuli returns with a goal against Tavua
Dreketi claimed their first win in the Vodafone Premier League when they thrashed Tavua 3-0 at Subrail Park, Labasa yesterday.
What happened: Things did not go well with Dreketi at the start. In the 10th minute centre link Salasa Junior suffered a leg injury and had to be replaced by Joseva Bolakivei.
Tavua tried to take advantage of the situation but the Dreketi defence stood firm. In the 36th minute Dreketi took the lead through an Inia Vaitaukula drive.
Heavy rain spoilt saw players lose control of the ball as they could not adapt to the slippery conditions.
The match became scrappy and Tavua reps Vilitati Kautoga, Semi Vakatalai and Aporosa Balei copped yellow card along with Dreketi’s Sisa Valesua.
First half: Dreketi 1-0 Tavua
Tavua started strongly in the second spell but it was striker Anish Khem that extended Dreketi’s lead in the 54th minute.
Dreketi coach Ronil Lal brought in veteran midfielder Thomas Vulivuli to replace Krishnil Krishna. In the 82nd minute a Khem corner kick found Vulivuli to nod in the third goal.
Comments: Dreketi team coach Ronil Lal said: “Now we have three points. This was our third match and unfortunately we lost to Nadi and Labasa in our previous matches.
“We are improving match by match. We will work on our defence line and maintain good shape for the next game.”
Tavua manager Mikaele Degei said; “Our boys were looking to get three points but they couldn’t play according to plan. We’re not used to playing in wet weather. However, it was a good game.”
LINE-UP
Dreketi- Petero Namoce, Sisa Valesua, Akeimi Ralulu, Usaia Tadu, Mohammed Yaseen, Salasa Junior, Krishnil Krishna, Daniel Dass, Inia Vaitaukula, Anish Khem, Vilikesa Sowani, Thomas Vulivuli, Setareki Sokowasa, Shamal Lal, Joseva Bolakivei, Apisai Sassen.
Tavua- Jovilisi Borisi, Semi Vakatalai, Vinay Naidu, Savenaca Aronu, Aporosa Balei, Kasim Khan, Malakai Sivo, Vilive Naulalevu, Atunaisa Livanalagi, Moshni Khan, Vilitati Kautoga, Ratu Dau, Varinava Taletawa, Waisake Soga, Pauliasi Natikibau, Naliva.
Edited by Leone Cabenatabua
