Lautoka win boost Fiji FACT preps

The Lautoka football team found their winning form when they edged hosts Labasa 2-1 in their Digicel Premier League clash at Subrail Park on Saturday.

The win has boosted Lautoka’s campaign for the upcoming Digicel Fiji FACT tournament.

Lautoka coach Anginesh Prasad, said taking three points was crucial but they still have to improve on their game.

“The ground condition made it difficult for us to play constructive football and we had to resort to high balls and long ball crosses to score the goals,” he said.

The no-nonsense coach said they look forward to a close and entertaining pool game against Labasa at the Fiji FACT.

What happened: The game kicked off with Lautoka showing their intention to dominate possession.

This worked in their favour when they opened their account through star striker, Sairusi Nalaubu, in the 2nd minute.

Midfielder Edwin Sahayum played tirelessly sending crosses into the Lautoka’s 18-yard box but the strikers were way off target.

Halftime: Labasa 0-1 Lautoka

After the break, the Babasiga Lions returned a much-changed side with players committing themselves as they looked for the equaliser.

Nalaubu doubled Lautoka’s lead after a lapse of concentration among the Labasa defenders.

Striker Ratu Anare came in as a substitute in the final quarter of the game and immediately made a difference with a well-timed strike to a pull goal back.

Comment: Labasa coach, Ravneel Pratap, said: “We cannot blame anyone for the loss as it was a team effort and everything now falls on how the players react and prepare for the Fiji FACT.”