NAVUA soccer side has sent a stern warning to the teams participating in the upcoming Vodafone Fiji FACT after holding on to Rewa 1-1 in the Fiji Sun/GP Batteries National Football League match yesterday.
The team coached by player Seveci Rokotakala was a class above the giants Delta Tigers in all southern derby at Ratu Cakobau Park in Nausori.
Both teams started the game on a slow pace under slippery conditions with Navua proving lethal in counter attacks
In the 27th minute of the play, Navua's Inia Boko drew the first blood with a well constructed goal from inside the six yard box.
Rewa defenders were caught napping when Navua set up a counter attack for Boko to slot in the opener to lead 1-0 at break.
Rewa started the second spell with continuous pressure at the Navua goal but were unlucky in every occasion.
Navua goalkeeper Sheik Moshin was outstanding for his side with some daring saves in the second spell.
Midway in the second half, Rewa received a penalty kick after its striker Epeli Saukuru was brought down in the box.
Lanky Apisai Smith stepped up to take the spot-kick and gifted Rewa the much needed equaliser.
Navua soccer president Gopal Naidu was happy with the stalemate but pointed out the inconsistent decisions from the referee as the major downfall.
Naidu also said the unavailability of a proper medical team was frustrating for the team.
"But we are happy with the result today (yesterday). The performance of the team is getting better and it's getting up to the standard for the upcoming Fiji FACT," he said.
"This game was a build-up for the Fiji FACT and there is still some areas we need to fix especially our midfield area."
Rewa soccer acting president Dhiren Kewal said the team would go back to the drawing board and work out strategies to better their performance.
He said slippery ground conditions did not help the ball control by their players resulting in many simple errors throughout the game.
"There are some players in the team who are unfit and we need to work on them and get those players who are fit to play for Rewa."
Navua is pooled alongside Labasa, Nadroga, Tavua and Ba in Pool One of the Fiji FACT while Rewa will face a tough battle against Suva, Lautoka, Nadi and Savusavu in Pool Two.