Labasa football team cap­tain and midfielder, Akeimi Ralulu, was the hero for his side after prefectly timing a cross where he tapped the ball over the Nadroga goalkeeper to win 1-0 at Subrail Park yesterday.

The match was the first Digicel Premier League of this second round to be staged in Labasa, this season.

Labasa settled in the game at the first whistle as they knew that Nadroga, were not going to be a walkover.

Labasa’s Edwin Sahayam, Le­kima Gonerau and striker Ratu Anare watched over the Nadroga defence while calculating their at­tack in trying to score goals.

This finally paid off, as match day captain, Ralulu, slotted home their lone goal at the stroke of half time.

Halftime: Labasa 1-0 Nadroga.

The game began at a slow pace af­ter the break, with both sides look­ing for an advantage in midfield and attack.

However, it was Nadroga that looked more composed as they tried all tricks to retain possession.

Former Ba striker and Nadro­ga talisman, Osea Vakatalesau, played an instrumental role in cre­ating goal scoring chances for his teammates.

Coach comments

Labasa coach, Ravneel Pratap, said the win was crucial as they slowly climb up the DPL standings.

Pratap was disappointed that his players could not score more goals.

“We progressively try to improve on our attack in each game and this is a work in progress”.

He applauded the Nadroga side for a gallant performance as they kept the hosts at bay for majority of the game.

“Our defensive plan laid the plat­form as we absorbed a lot of pres­sure to win,” he said.

Star Labasa striker, Christopher Wasasala, missed the game, he is on a one match ban.

Pratap said the inclusion of for­mer national goalkeeper, Simone Tamanisau, was a massive morale booster to the side.

“We now have two senior players in the side that will not only help but also add experience and in­spire the rest of the boys”.

Nadroga coach, Joseph Nand, they lost to a better side.

He said they may missed numer­ous easy goal scoring opportuni­ties. They were on a rebuilding stage at the moment.

“Our officials and management made it a priority to mould and develop players from our district and give them game time,” he reit­erated.

“Labasa is a top side and playing them away is a challenge for any side”.

Nand said some of their players were still learning the technical aspects of the game.

Results: Tailevu/Naitasiri 1-1 Na­vua, Nasinu 1-1 Suva, Labasa 1-0 Nadroga, Lautoka 4-3 Ba, Rewa 2-2 Nadi.

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