10-man Blues beat Ba in CVC opener

Ba suffered a 1-0 loss at the hands of Lautoka in the first leg of the Pillay Garments Champion vs Champion at Churchill Park tonight.

After playing to a goal-less draw in the first half, the two teams lifted their game and applied pressure on each other's goal after the break.

The hosts were reduced to ten players early in the second half after striker Samuela Drudru was sent off for a dangerous foul.

Lautoka was awarded a penalty in the 81st minute after Manasa Nawakula dangerously fouled Dave Radrigai inside the box.

Midfielder Zibraaz Sahib calmly placed the ball beyond the reach of goalkeeper Josaia Ratu to snatch the winner and three vital match points which now puts the Blues in the driving seat.

With the result, Ba will have to win the return leg on Sunday by two clear goals while a draw should will be enough for Lautoka to win the title.

By Reginald Chandar