The race for the premier men’s title in the domestic football competition has become interesting following a major upset on Friday.

Titikaveka caused a major upset in the Tower Insurance premier men’s match after beating giants Tupapa Maraerenga 1-0 at Teimurimotia Park.

The hosts scored the lone goal in the first half and defended vivaciously to win the match.

A resurgent Matavera had a good opportunity to score the second upset win over the weekend but let their guards down in the final quarter of the match, allowing table toppers Nikao Sokattak to score four goals in the feature match of the round.

Matavera defence brought their A game, defending well against Nikao’s attacking duo Marc Leito and Julius David.

Time and again, the defenders set up counter opportunities but Matavera forwards were not up to the chance.

Matavera also received multiple free kicks but struggled to use that to their advantage while Nikao, who dominated possession, seemed to have trouble putting the ball behind David Piakura and his backline.

Nikao threw everything to get the opening match but a stubborn Matavera wall stood strong until 20 minutes. Nikao forwards used a throw in on Matavera’s half to slip the ball right through the feet of the Patrick Schneiders to get the opening goal they have been hunting whole afternoon.

With a sense of confidence and ease, Nikao scored three more goals to win the match 4-0.

In the match at CIFA Complex, giantkillers Avatiu continued their winning form beating former champions Puaikura 2-0.

In the Islander women’s competition, Matavera women gave Nikao Sokattak a good run for their money at Takitumu Scholl grounds.

Nikao and Matavera players hassle each other for the ball. 21101704

Within the first 13 minutes of the game, Matavera’s Samantha Lockington took the chance inside the box to score the opener. But it didn’t take long for Nikao to come back, when a penalty inside the box executed well by Rima Browne put them at 1-all.

Defending champions Puaikura defeated Avatiu 2-1, while on Thursday the ‘ladies in black’ Tupapa Maraerenga collected another three points against Titikaveka after a huge 6-1 win.

- CIFA Media

Results

Under 6 Mix: Puaikura FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC: 1-2, Matavera FC vs Titikaveka FC: 7-15; Titikaveka FC vs Tupapa Maraerenga FC – U8 Mix: 0-3, U10 Mix: 0-4, U12 Mix: 1-0, U15 Boys: 0-1, U15 Girls: 1-4, U18 Men: 1-4, Senior Women: 1-6, Premier Men: 1-0; Matavera FC vs Nikao Sokattak FC –

U8 Mix: 0-1, U10 Mix: 2-3, U12 Mix: 0-0, U15 Boys: 0-3, U15 Girls: 3-0, U18 Men: 0-1, Senior Women: 1-1, Premier Men: 0-4; Avatiu FC vs Puaikura FC –

U8 Mix: 2-0, U10 Mix: 4-1, U12 Mix: 2-2, U15 Boys: 14-0, U15 Girls: 0-4, Senior Women: 1-2, Premier Men: 2-0.