The Lautoka football side created history on Sunday afternoon at Churchill Park as they reclaimed the National League title after a 21 year dry spell.
The ‘Shop and Save Blues,’ who last won the National League title in 1988, overcame Navua 1-0 to clinch the National League title with an unbeaten record. Lautoka have also clinched the league with one match in hand, against Nadi next weekend.
Midfielder Keni Doidoi scored the lone goal of the evenly contested affair from the penalty spot after Lautoka won a penalty in the 12th minute of the first spell.
Navua toiled hard to equalise the match but excellent goalkeeping by Alifereti Baleloa and good defence by Apisai Smith and Samuela Vula kept the Lautoka’s lead intact until the final whistle.
Lautoka president Shalendra Prasad was on cloud nine after the win and dedicated the win to all the well wishers and supporters of the Blues.
“The boys played well I am very happy with their performance this afternoon. The win means a lot for Lautoka football since we have recaptured the National League title after 21 long and hard years.”
“The credit for the win also goes to former coach Dennis Singh and manager Karuna Pillay who played a vital role in the team’s success this season.”
“The win has boosted the morale of the team ahead of the Inter District Championship (IDC), the focus shifts towards retention of the title again this season,” Prasad told Lautoka supporters post-match.
Navua boss Anil Sharma rued the missed opportunities of his team and congratulated Lautoka on its win.
“We had a lot of goal scoring opportunities but unfortunately we weren’t able to capitalise on our chances.”
“The team has to work extremely hard for the IDC and I have full confidence and faith in the players and officials” Sharma added.
Courtesy of Fijilive