The Lautoka football side are one step clos­er from retaining the Vodafone Premier League title after they walloped Dreketi 4-0 at Churchill Park, Lautoka, last night.

What happened: Dreketi started well but were no match to the champion Lautoka side. Solo­mon Islands import Benjamin Totori drew first blood for an early 1-0 lead.

The ball was neatly crossed by Praneel Naidu, metres away from the Dreketi box. Totori had seen it coming, raised his legs and waited for the perfect timing to drive it in.

The Blues extended the lead 2-0 after an own goal by a Dreketi defender midway in the first half.

However it was just perfect for the team when veteran striker Osea Vakatalesau scored a goal giving the team a healthy 3-0 lead in the first half.

Halftime: Lautoka 3-0 Dreketi

The Lautoka side had the services of Zibraaz Sahib, Edward Justin, Poasa Bainivalu, Benja­min Totori and Jone Vesikula.

Dreketi were outplayed in the second half when Lautoka scored their fourth goal.

The visitors had the services of Akeimi Ralu­lu, Sisa Valesua and veteran Thomas Vulivuli as they desperately tried to score a goal but were held back by the strong Lautoka defence.

Big play: Totori was crafty in attack for the Lau­toka side. He combined well with Vakatalesau.

Star turn: Lautoka’s Praneel Naidu displayed some classy football.

Comments: Nadi coach Kamal Swamy said: “Our team played good and we are looking for­ward to the next match.”

Dreketi coach Thomas Vulivuli said: “Our boys were quite nervous in the beginning as we didn’t have a full set on the field.

– Edited by Osea Bola

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