The national premier football league champions defeated super premier side Nasinu 1-0 in the first match of the promotion/relegation series on Sunday at Subrail Park in Labasa.
A 25th-minute goal by Taniela Levea proved to be the match winner for Savusavu, who held strong in the second spell to deny Nasinu an equaliser.
A heavy afternoon downpour made things difficult for both sides with referee Rajnish Dave forced to hold up play in the 35th minute until conditions improved over a quarter of an hour later.
Levea was later cautioned by Dave while Nasinu pair Leone Damudamu and Summet Krishan also found their way into the referee’s notebook.
Savusavu can now look forward to the return leg, scheduled to be played this Sunday at the TFL National Stadium in Suva.
President Jabid Hussein says losing will not be an option as they look to rub shoulders with the big boys in the super premier division next year.
He was delighted to see his side deal well with the trying conditions and hold on for the win.
“It was a good victory for us because the rain made things difficult. I believe we could have scored more goals otherwise,” Hussein says.
“We are now looking forward to the next match where we will come prepared and will be going for a win.”
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