Defending champion Lautoka was edged 4-3 by Nadroga in a thrilling Digicel Fiji Premier League Round 3 fixture at Lawaqa Park in Sigatoka today.
Backed by a good crowd in the stands, the Stallions played with a lot of guts and focus and were not intimidated by their more superior opponents.
Top strikers Sairusi Nalaubu and Saula Waqa were absent from the Blues roster and Nigerian attacker Usman Omede had to carry out the assaults on goal.
Omede opened the scoring in the 13th minute after getting a neat through pass from Edwin Sahayam.
Nadroga came close to scoring two minutes later through Rusiate Matarerega but his attempt screamed off the wood-work.
Solomon Islands midfielder William Komasi leveled the scores in the 29th minute through a brilliant free-kick which gave goalkeeper Joela Biuvanua no chance at all.
Lautoka managed to regain the lead deep in injury time of the first spell through Antonio Tuivuna.
Attacking forward Tomasi Tuicakau netted a brace early in the second half to put the hosts in front for the first time in the match.
And the Man of the Match, Semesa Sacere who worked overtime both in attack and defence got his name on the score-sheet as well, further extending Nadroga lead by 4-2.
Solomon Islands striker Barrie Limoki missed two golden scoring opportunities for Sugar Taxis /Pacifika Rentals/Nadroga Auto Marine Upholstery Works sponsored side before Sitiveni Cavuilagi pulled one back for the visitors late in the encounter.
Both teams have 4 points each after three appearances in the competition.
