The Extra Supermarket Labasa football team has returned to form, securing a 2-0 victory against Nasinu in their Digicel Fiji Premier League match at Subrail Park on Saturday. This win solidifies Labasa’s position in second place on the DFPL points table.
Labasa’s striker Tigi Molea opened the scoring in the first half with a powerful shot from inside the 18-yard box, putting his team ahead 1-0. Young talent Jone Lalagavesi further strengthened Labasa’s lead with a goal in the 80th minute.
Coach Ravneel Pratap expressed his satisfaction with the win, emphasizing its importance for maintaining their rank on the table. “The players were aware of the significance of this match, especially considering the challenging away games ahead,” he stated.
Following a disappointing 1-1 draw in their last two matches against Nadi and Tailevu/Naitasiri, Labasa is set to travel to Viti Levu for Round 17, where they will face Ba.
Pratap noted an improvement in the decision-making of his players compared to earlier games, where they had made careless passes. “We avoided risky passes at the back, and I am pleased with the players’ decisions. It’s now all about contesting for the league title; we’ve let ourselves down in some previous matches. Keeping a gap ahead of teams like Lautoka is crucial,” he remarked.
Currently, Lautoka sits in third place and could rise to second with strong performances.
Pratap also praised Lalagavesi for scoring on his debut match for Labasa in the DFPL. “Scoring in his first home game after getting substantial playtime is a significant achievement for the young player,” he added.
In other match results, Labasa defeated Nasinu 2-0, Tailevu/Naitasiri lost 1-2 to Navua, Suva won 4-0 against Nadroga, Ba edged Nadi 1-0, and Rewa triumphed over Lautoka with a 2-0 scoreline.