A home crowd advantage did not work for Labasa as they went down 2-1 to Lautoka in the Vodafone Premier League clash at Subrail Park, Labasa yes­terday.

Despite a packed stadium and backed by their vocal fans the hosts simply had no an­swer to Lautoka’s play.

However, Labasa started strongly as they attacked the Lautoka goal area but veteran goalkeeper Beniamino Mateinaqara was solid in defence.

Both teams struggled to cope with the heat as Labasa missed five goal scoring opportu­nities but Lautoka drew first blood in the 39th minute as they led 1-0 at halftime.

It was all Lautoka in the second half, domi­nating possession and in the 60th minute striker Osea Vakatalesau extended Lau­toka’s lead to 2-0. The hosts tried hard and pulled one goal back in the dying moments of the match.

Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy said they missed some goal scoring chances but are hoping to rectify it before today’s clash against Dreketi.

“We need to work and rectify the areas where we are lacking,” he said.

“There were times, where we should have scored but the ball went outside and we need to solve this before we play our next game.

“It helped the boys to brush up their moves and also work on their fitness as they pre­pare for the second game against Dreketi.

“It was very difficult for the players to play on the heavy underfooting but our players coped well.

“In the second half we told the players to do what needs to be done in the hot sun and that is not to hold the ball in the middle but just go for goal.”

Labasa manager Nilesh Lal said: “We did not capitalise on our chances and the best team won.”

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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