Labasa moves to third place
THE Labasa football side has moved up to third spot in the Digicel Premier League points table.
The Akuila Mataisuva-captained side maintained its unbeaten record after upsetting defending champion Unique Rubber Stamp Suva side 1-0 in round six of the competition last Sunday at ANZ Stadium in Suva.
Midfielder Akeimi Ralulu’s thunderous left foot strike from outside the penalty box stunned the Suva camp and gave the Babasiqa Lions its much needed win.
This was the two teams third clash at the ANZ Stadium this season, with Labasa now coming out victorious on two occasions while they drew in one fixture.
Labasa now has ten points with two wins and four draws.
Labasa coach Ravneel Pratap said they were lucky to win the match against Suva.
“Suva is a good side but the goal changed things around and the boys maintained the structure of the game. The boys did well and they deserve all the credit,” said Pratap.
The Labasa school teacher said it was a much needed win.
“This was a much needed win for us as there was a lot of pressure after we failed to win some matches in the start of the competition and I am happy that we have managed to win two consecutive games,”
Pratap said they still lacked the finishing aspects of the game.
“We have missed lots of opportunities, with one goal up we couldn’t score more but goal scoring is an art and it will take time to come,” said Pratap
Pratap said it was the hard work of all the players that made them keep the unbeaten record.
“All the players have shown their commitment and hard work during training and game time and that is the reason we are unbeaten so far and I salute my players. Hats off the boys, as a unit, as a family they have been working very hard.”
Suva FC president Ritesh Pratap said it was not their day.
“I think it was not our day because we played well but could not finish and I think we will have to work out on our finishing which we are lacking,” said Pratap.
“We had so many opportunities but the players failed to utilise,”
Pratap said they would meet this week to see how they could improve in the remaining games.
“This is our second consecutive loss which is disappointing so we need to talk to the players and coaches on how we can improve,” said Pratap.
The Babs Khan-coached side has dropped to sixth place in the DPL standings after two wins, a draw and three losses.