The Extra Supermarket Labasa football team returned to form with a 2-0 victory over Nasinu during their Digicel Fiji Premier League (DFPL) match at Subrail Park on Saturday. This win secured three crucial points, allowing Labasa to maintain its position in second place in the DFPL standings.
Labasa’s striker Tigi Molea opened the scoring in the first half with a powerful shot from inside the 18-yard box, giving his team a 1-0 lead. In the 80th minute, young player Jone Lalagavesi increased Labasa’s advantage by scoring the second goal.
Labasa’s coach, Ravneel Pratap, expressed satisfaction with the victory, emphasizing the importance of staying in the upper ranks of the points table. He noted, “The players understood the significance of this match, especially with challenging away games ahead.”
After a disappointing run that included two consecutive draws against Nadi and Tailevu/Naitasiri, Labasa is now set to face Ba in Round 17 of the DFPL.
Pratap acknowledged that his players demonstrated improved decision-making in this match, particularly avoiding risky passes in the back. “We didn’t play any risky passes at the back, and I’m pleased with their decisions. It’s all about competing for the league title now, and we’ve let ourselves down in some earlier games.”
The coach also highlighted the need to maintain a lead over competitors like Lautoka, who are currently in third place and could potentially move up to second.
Pratap congratulated Lalagavesi for scoring in his debut match, saying, “It’s a significant achievement for the young player to score on his first game at home and to get substantial playing time.”
In other DFPL results, Suva defeated Nadroga 4-0, Ba edged Nadi 1-0, Rewa won against Lautoka 2-0, while Tailevu/Naitasiri lost 1-2 to Navua.