Striker Peni Finau scored Lautoka’s winning goal in the 1-0 victory over Suva in Ram’s Cleaning Services Pacific Cup at Prince Charles Park in Nadi last night.

Despite being down to 10 men, the side managed to bounce back from their 2-1 defeat against Auckland All Stars on Thursday.

This also ended Suva’s unbeaten run as Finau capitalised a cross that beat goalkeeper Emori Ragata later in the first spell.

But the Blues suffered a major blow when the Wailotua, Wainibuka native was flashed a direct red card for elbowing defender Tomasi Uculoa early in the second spell.

But the rock solid defence by Kolinio Sivoki, Zibraz Sahib and Kavaia Rawaqa was instrumental in the win.

Lautoka coach Kamal Swamy said it was good to bounce back.

“The boys played well which resulted in the win,” he said.

“When Finau was red carded it did not demoralise the team and they played well defensively.”

In the second match, Rewa bounced back to beat Auckland All Stars 1-0 with Iosefo Verevou scoring in the 22nd minute.

This was after Bruce Hughes was fouled in the box by goalkeeper Sheik Moshin. Midfielder Taione Kerevanua was flashed a red card.

In an interesting battle 10-men Ba managed to come from behind to win 2-1 over AFFI All Stars.

The visitors opened the floodgates through Esala Ali.

Ba equalised through Samuela Nabenia after he capitalised on a Ronil Kumar free kick.

Meanwhile, when this match went to press last night Nadi were locked scoreless with NZFFI All Stars at halftime. Edited by Osea Bola

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