Ushant Lal of Tailevu Naitaisiri was the man of the match in their FMF Inter-District Championship premier division opener against Tavua yesterday.

Lal scored the opener in their 2-0 victory over 9-men Tavua.

The Vunimono High School student and beat Tavua goalie Nalesoni Ravato in a one-two-one situation. Tailevu Naitaisiri led 1-0 at the breather.

“It was a great outing for the team, we played as brothers,” he said.

“Recording three points from the first game was good as it set the pace. We had to score goals and Tavua was a good opponent.”

The gold miners were reduced to nine players after unprofessional play by goalie Josaia Ratu and Ratu Nalewadonu in the first half.

In the second half, Tavua did come back but could not find a goal as their opponents were tough to beat.

The side increased their score when France Catarogo scored their second when he rifled a shot to beat Ravato again in goal.

Tavua captain Manasa Nawaikula said the team is expected to bounce back in their next match.

He added the loss did bring out their weakness and they remain optimistic to face Savusavu on Thursday.

In the other premier category match, Nasinu and Bua played to a 2-all draw.

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