Luck was with the capital-based side as an early 14th minute goal by Vanuatu international Joseph Nimariau in the end proved to be the difference for Suva.
The Southern U23 side was boosted with the inclusion of Rewa reps Peniame Drova, Achie Watkins, Betsy Ifraz Ali and Nasoni Mereke.
Captained by an inspiration Navua rep Sedrick Dutt the side under wet and slippery conditions took a while to settle which Suva took full advantage off to score an early goal.
Shell shocked from the goal, the U23 side up the tempo and launched a series of attack to break the Suva wall but were denied.
Suva striker Apisai Smith was cautioned twice in a matter of three minutes-referee Rakesh Varman had no option but to give the marching orders.
The capital side played with 10 men for the next 57 minutes of the match. Drova from the back called the shots for the U23 defence but forwards were not able to dominate.
On the night lethal striker Archie Watkins had limited number of opportunities to do damage as the Suva defence on numerous occasions cut short the U23 attacks.
The likes of top Suva gun Esava Naqeleca and Navua’s Monit Chand are few household names expected to join the squad later.
Suva will be in action again this Sunday as they host Nivea Savusavu 3pm at the TFL National Stadium .
U23 (Southern): 20. Marika Serukalou (GK), 15. Peniame Drova, 4. Betsy Ifraz Ali, 17. James Mackay, 16. Semioni Damuni(-67), 10. Sedrick Dutt (C), 7. Roderick Singh, 11. Sumeet Krishan, 12. Osea Lautiki (-55), 8. Archie Watkins (-75), 9. Nasoni Mereke
Reserves: 1. Sekove Tuiloma, 6. Ratu Luke Lomasalato(55’), 2. Gurjit Singh, 14. Abdul Mosheen (67’), 13. Sheik Rizwan (75’), 3. Arthur George, 4. George Hanfiro
Suva: 18. Emori Ragata (GK), 2. Nitan Kumar, 13. Apisai Smith, 3. Kaushik Kumar(-40), 14. Rizwan Ali, 16. Esava Naqeleca, 5. Inosi Cava, 7. Maciu Tuilau (-66), 6. Joseph Nimariau (-85), 12. Anish Kumar, 4. Samuela Vula (C)
Reserves: 15. Robert Nair (66’), 8. Waisake Navunigasau, 9. Dinesh Mudaliar, 10. Leone Damudamu (85’), 17. Nathan Kumar (40’), 15. Eric Nigel Chand
Fiji Sun/Weet-Bix National Football League
Thursday March 31, 2011
Full Time: Bic Power Electric Suva 1 Skippy U23 (Southern) 0
Suva Goal: Joseph Nimariau 14”
Suva Caution: Apisai Smith 31’; 33’; Maciu Tuilau 53’
Suva Sent off: Apisai Smith 33’
U23 Caution: Sedrick Dutt 11’
7pm Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori
