Tailevu/Naitasiri escapes with a point

Minnows Tailevu/Naitasiri managed to hold hosts Extra Supermarket Labasa 0-0 during their Extra Premier League (EPL) clash at Subrail Park on Saturday.

Home fans walked out disappointed with Labasa coach, Alvin Chand, declining to comment on the draw.

The game started strongly with Labasa dominating possession and tried to penetrate the Tailevu/Naitasiri defence that stood tall throughout the encounter.

Tailevu/Naitasiri head coach, Shabneel Prasad, commended his players for a gallant effort as they gained a point from the encounter.

Prasad said his players executed the game plan effectively after they had studied Labasa’s game structure.

“We knew the engine room for Labasa and how they were playing,” he said.

“From our assessment, we prepared an effective game plan.”

Prasad said despite missing out on qualifying for the BiC Fiji FACT tournament in Labasa, they would aim for the Battle of Giants (B.O.G) tournament.

Prasad who also hails from Siberia in Labasa described the draw as ‘a sweet result’.

When asked about their 9-0 loss to Ba, he shared there was complexity surrounding the loss.

“I don’t want to share on what transpired in the loss.”

Prasad said their revival to remain in the EPL has now started.

Day of upsets

Meanwhile, defending EPL champions Stratum Construction Rewa beat table leaders and hosts Dayal Sawmillers Ba side 3-2 at Govind Park. In another upset Nadroga thrashed a hapless Suva side 4-1 while Tagimoucia Nadi lost 1-2 to Lautoka. Navua escaped with a 1-1 draw against Nasinu.

Results

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