Minnows Navua have moved away from the relegation spot after their upset 2-0 win over Vodafone Premier League points table leaders Rewa at the Uprising Sports Centre in Pacific Harbour, Deuba, yesterday.

Navua coach Mohammed Shafil said his players showed a lot of courage to pull off the win.

“This is very important for us and the three points is vital,” he said.

“The plan was to win this game because we were at the bottom of the table with Nasinu and this win has put us up.”

Shafil said they set a game plan and the players stuck to it.

“There was no change in our formation it was the commitment of the players. “They were united in this cause.

“Now we’ll definitely work harder to remain in the VPL and this win is an advantage to us as we’ll have to beat Lautoka next.”

What happened: Rewa started strongly with their formation of 5:3:2.

Navua settled down and began pressuring the Rewa defence who were without reliable defender Peniame Drova

In 20th minute Navua striker Suliano Doli saw an opening and rifled in their opening goal.

Halftime: Navua 1-0 Rewa

Rewa came out firing but poor finishing let them down.

The Navua defence led by veteran Seveci Rokotakala kept the Rewa strikers at bay.

Navua goalkeeper Josaia Ratu also made spectacular saves to keep the lead.

In the 78th minute a counter attack by Navua saw Rewa defender Josateki Tamudu being penalised for a dangerous tackle on Alfred Ali.

Veteran Apisai Smith made no mistake from the penalty spot,

LINE-UP

Navua: Josaia Ratu, Seveci Rokotakala, Thomas Dunn, Monit Chand, Brian Charitar, Vineet Chand, Mannav Permal, Isake Naduvu, Vinal Prasad, Matthew Charitar, Suliano Masi Doli

Rewa: Senirusi Bokini, Inoke Turagalailai, Patrick Joseph, Anish Khem, Setareki Hughes, Gabriele Matanisiga, Tevita Waranaivalu, Frances Catarogo, Samuela Nabenia, Waisake Navunigasau, Josateki Namudu.

Edited by Leone Cabenatabua

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