A 42nd first half goal by striker Kitione Tabaivalu proved to be the match winner for Ba who now lead the standings with eight points. Lautoka remains at the bottom with two points after two draws and two losses.
The match was stopped on two occassions due to some technical problems with the Govind Park flood lights
Undefeated Rewa slipped to third place as Navua upset them 1-0 at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori. In a rainy afternoon under heavy wet conditions Jesoni Takala found the back of the net on the 15th minute of the first half.
Rewa regrouped and launched a series of attacks on the Navua defence which stood tall to guard the lead.
Navua President Anil Sharma says the victory over Rewa was an achievement for his side who earlier lost their opening two matches in the Champions League.
“I’m very proud of this victory. Rewa had not lost a match in a while and we were able to beat them on their own home ground. I would not say at the moment we are back on top but I’m building this team for the upcoming competitions. We play Lautoka in our next match and there will be few changes,” Sharma said.
On Sunday Ba travels to TFL National Stadium in Suva to face Rewa at 3pm. The delta tigers need to bounce back if they are to get back in contention for the first major championship of the 2011 season.
Navua hosts Lautoka next Wednesday 5pm at the TFL National Stadium in Suva. This match was scheduled to be played Sunday but was postponed due to Lautoka’s request as they play in the 2010-2011 O-League against Koloale FC on Saturday 3pm at Churchill Park and would need a break to regroup.
2011 Pillay Garments Champions League
2nd February 2011
6.30pm Ratu Cakobau Park, Nausori
Full Time: Navua 1 Rewa 0
Navua Goal: Jesoni Takala 15”
Rewa Caution: Niumaia Tagi 35’: Posiano Kalisito 83’
7.30pm Govind Park, Ba
Full Time: Ba 1 Lautoka 0
Ba Goal: Kitione Tabaivalu 42”
Ba Caution: Jone Vesikula 8’
Lautoka Caution: Malakai Waqa 54’: Javid Khan 81’
