Exciting matches lit up round seven of the Extra Premier League over the weekend, with standout performances shaking up the competition ladder.
At Uprising Sports Ground in Pacific Harbour on Saturday, Navua FC delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over Tailevu Naitasiri FC.
Simione Damuni wasted no time, opening the scoring in just the 5th minute before Bai Tito doubled the advantage six minutes later. Tailevu Naitasiri responded through Prahsant Chand in the 18th minute to keep the contest alive, trailing 2-1 at halftime.
However, substitute Usaia Tilivarua proved decisive in the second spell, netting a brace in the 68th and 85th minutes to seal Navua’s second win of the season. The victory lifts Navua to eighth place with seven points, while Tailevu Naitasiri remain at the bottom of the table still searching for their first win.
On Sunday, attention shifted to Govind Park where Extra Supermarket Labasa FC edged Dayal’s Sawmillers Ba FC 2-1 in a highly anticipated clash.
France Catarogo opened the scoring in the 11th minute before Navitesh Kumar extended the lead in the 61st minute. Ba fought back when Gabriel Emmanuel converted from the penalty spot in the 74th minute, but Labasa held firm to secure all three points.
The win sees the Babasiga Lions move to the top of the standings on 14 points, level with Ba but ahead on goal difference.
Meanwhile, at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka, Lautoka FC maintained their unbeaten run with a hard-fought 3-2 win over Coastal Rental Cars Nadroga FC.
Nadroga struck early through Jone Ralumu in the 2nd minute, but Rusiate Matarerenga equalised in the 29th minute. Tomasi Tuicakau restored Nadroga’s lead in the 43rd minute before Matarerenga grabbed his second just before halftime to make it 2-2.
Lautoka found the winner in the 71st minute through Maciu Tuinuku, ensuring the Blues remain the only unbeaten side after seven rounds. They now sit fourth on 13 points, while Nadroga languish in ninth place with two points.
In another fixture, Nasinu FC climbed to sixth place following a 2-1 victory over Tagimoucia Nadi FC at King Charles Park. Nasinu now have 10 points, while Nadi sit seventh with seven points.
Round seven action will conclude on Wednesday when Global Care Suva FC host Stratum Rewa FC at the HFC Bank Stadium in Suva.
The clash is expected to be a decisive one, with both teams eyeing the top spot on the standings. Suva currently sits in fifth place with 11 points, while Rewa are in third position with 13 points. A win for either side will see them climb to the summit of the league table.