Labasa wants to protect EPL lead

Extra Supermarket Labasa football team will look to strengthen its grip at the top of the Extra Premier League (EPL) points table when they face hosts Tagimoucia Nadi at King Charles Park, on Sunday.

The Babasiga Lions moved to the top of the standings after a 3-1 win over Coastal Rental Cars/MMM Brothers Nadroga at the Fiji FA Academy Ground in Vatuwaqa, Suva, last Sunday.

Defending champions Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba slipped to second place after being held 1-1 by Nadi, while Stratum Rewa climbed to third spot on 22 points following a 4-0 win over Lautoka.

Nasinu boosted their campaign with a 3-1 win over Tailevu/Naitasiri while Prithvi Navua surrendered a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Global Care Suva.

Labasa Football Association president Shaheen Hussain told SUNsports yesterday, the team has recovered well from the previous match and was preparing for a tough encounter.

“Our boys returned to Labasa on Monday afternoon and had time to rest,” he said.

“Training resumed on Tuesday and will continue right to Friday before we travel to Nadi on Saturday.”

Despite leading the competition, Hussain admitted the team still need to work hard.

“Our finishing is our biggest concern at the moment. The coach and officials are working hard to improve that in training and we hope to address it before the Nadi match.”

He expects a tough encounter against Nadi.

“We respect Nadi. Our aim is to remain at the top of the table but we know we cannot afford to take them lightly.”

Hussain also urged Labasa supporters living in the West to continue backing the team through good and bad times as well.

“Our fans need to understand that we won’t win every match or every tournament. Losing is part of football. We ask our supporters to continue standing by the team.”

WHAT’S ON SUNDAY

3pm Navua v Lautoka at Uprising Sports Centre, Pacific Harbour in Deuba; 3.30pm Nadi v Labasa at King Charles Park, Nadi; 3pm Suva v Ba at National Stadium, Suva; 3pm Nadroga v Tailevu/Naitasiri at Lawaqa Park, Sigatoka; 2pm Nasinu v Rewa at Fiji FA Academy ground in Vatuwaqa, Suva.