RAROTONGA – The new uniforms sported by the Nikao Sokattak on Saturday could have been the secret formula to their 2-0 win against Tupapa but the team will tell you that defence won them the game.
Nikao Sokattak and Cook Islands international goalkeeper Remmie Wearing was kept on his toes throughout the entire match but has his resolute back four to thank for their brilliant defence to keep Tupapa scoreless.
Tupapa had the majority of the ball possession but they weren’t able to capitalise on these as attempts at goal went everywhere except in the net.
Nikao played a more consistent and structured game that resulted in a goal halfway through the first half.
While the Sokattak fans celebrated on the sideline the players went straight back to work hunting for another goal.
Nikao’s second goal came late in the second half from a penalty kick after the Tupapa goal keeper ploughed into a Nikao striker.
Despite being up 2 nil, Nikao still did not celebrate and instead they stepped up the tempo of the game in pursuit of a third goal that would all but gaurentee a result.
With time running out, Tupapa finally came to life with another Cook Island international Paavo Mustonen ably getting the ball down to within striking distance of the goal but once again the Nikao defence was just too good.
Opportunity after another came and went for Tupapa who will have to do a lot better if they want secure a top spot this season
Despite their 2-0 win, Nikao officials were still critical of their game and indicated they want to analyse errors made during this match before they take to the field again next week.
In other CIFA Round Cup matches on Saturday, it was a goal scoring bonanza in the Titikaveka vs Matavera match with Titikaveka walking away the eventual winner 5-4.
Avatiu also registered a win on Saturday with a 1-0 defeat over Arorangi.
Story and photographs courtesy of Cook Islands News and Matariki Wilson
Sokattaks Ano Tisam in action
Sokattaks goal keeper Remmie Wearing dives for the ball with Tupapa players lurking.
Teariki Mateariki (Sokattak) switches the direction of play with Tupapas Brendan Turepu tracing his every move
Tupapa’s Inge Tatem (left) and Sokattaks Kunda Tom compete for the ball.
Weekend soccer scores: Nikao vs Tupapa-Under 14 Girls 1-0, Women 1-3, Under 13 Boys 2-1, Under 16 boys 1-2, Senior B Men 2-2, Senior A Men 2-0, Avatiu vs Arorangi-Under 14 Girls 0-4, Women 0-6, Under 13 Boys 0-5, Under 16 Boys 5-0, Senior B Men 1-1, Senior A Men 1-0, Matavera vs Titikaveka-Women 0-5, Under 13 Boys 2-0, Under 16 boys 0-1, Senior B Men 1-1, Senior A Men 4-5.