Nikao Sokattak have taken the lead in the Tower Insurance premier men’s division after a commanding 2-0 win over archrivals Tupapa Maraerenga FC in an intense clash on Saturday.

Taking possession during the first few minutes of the game, Tupapa set the pace against the home side but their attempts at Nikao goal were well judged by stopper Tahiri Elikana.

Tupapa’s Grover Harmon and Daniel Taokia couldn’t seem to squeeze their way through Nikao’s midfield as they were constantly getting intercepted by Nikao’s James Osiramo and Marc Leito who did well to steal possession.

Nikao’s first goal came via their youngsters Nuku Mokoroa and 10 minutes later, the side doubled their advantage to lead 2-0.

Tupapa battled tooth and nail in the second spell to get the equalising goals but couldn’t get past Nikao’s sturdy defense.

In the other premier men’s match, Matavera FC hosted Avatiu FC at Takitumu School grounds. The visitors took home the three points at stake after a 2-1 win.

In Titikaveka on Friday, the home side defeated Puaikura 4-2.

In the Islander senior women’s match between Nikao’s fierce girls and the Ladies in Black Tupapa ended in Tupapa’s favour 2-0.

Avatiu and Matavera match ended with no point for both, while Puaikura beat Titikaveka 2-0 on Thursday.

The grassroots division will hold their usual Wednesday football matches today at CIFA Complex, starting at the usual 4.15pm. These matches will be followed by the U18 men’s games between Nikao Sokattak FC and Matavera FC and Titikaveka FC and Tupapa FC at CIFA fields.

• CIFA Media

Results

U6 Mix: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 0-6, Titikaveka FC vs Puaikura FC – 4-0. Avatiu FC vs Matavera FC: U8 Mix: 1-6, U10 Mix: 1-1, U12 Mix: 5-1, U15 Boys: 2-1, U15 Girls: 2-1, U18 Men: 1-2, Senior Women: 0-0, Premier Men: 2-1; Puaikura FC vs Titikaveka FC – U8 Mix: 0-1, U10 Mix: 3-5, U12 Mix: 1-1, U15 Boys:1-1, U15 Girls: 2-2, U18 Men: 1-6, Senior Women: 2-0, Premier Men: 2-4. Nikao Sokattak FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: U8 Mix: 0-4, U10 Mix: 0-1, U12 Mix: 0-3, U15 Boys: 3-3, U15 Girls: 0-1, U18 Men: 0-0, Senior Women: 0-2, Premier Men: 2-0.

Fixtures

CIFA complex, Matavera: CIFA Field 1: Under 6 Mix 4.15pm Field 1: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Matavera FC (Ref: Hereatea Mapu), 4.15pm Field 2: Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Theressa Kaukura), CIFA Field 1: Under 8 Mix 4.15pm Field 1: Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Tailei Blake, Janmarie Taia), 4.15pm Field 2: Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Poko Manuela, Ratai Kaukura), 4.15pm Field 3: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Matavera FC ( Ref: Matilda Auua, Heimata Teaukura), CIFA Field 1: Under 10 Mix 4.15pm Field 1: Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Penina Katuke, Twinny Tamiau), 4.15pm Field 2: Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Kimberly Uini, Noovao Blake), 4.15pm Field 3: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Matavera FC (Ref: Selina Maora, Jaceleine Nand), CIFA Field 2: Under 12 Mix 4.15pm Field 1: Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC (Ref: Poko Tangata, Carl Fredrick), 4.15pm Field 2: Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Teupoko Tuariki, Mavis Makara), 4.15pm Field 3: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Matavera FC (Ref: Junior Savage, Kaitlyn Karika), CIFA Field 1: Under 18 Men 4.55pm: Nikao Sokattak FC vs Matavera FC (Ref: John Pareanga           Assist: Penina Katuke, Kimberly Uini), CIFA Field 2: Under 18 Men 4.55pm: Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC (Ref: Lai Gukisuva, Assist: Junior Savage, Poko Tangata)