SEDRICK Dutt came in with a cross and it ended up in the net as Suva edged Lautoka 1-0 at the Courts Inter-district semi-final yesterday.
The Blues, with much of the play centered around Valerio Nawatu, looked the better side and almost snatched an early lead as the former Navua player shot wide after being gifted an early chance.
"The heat took its toll on the players and we did not have it all our way but a win is a win," Suva coach Gurjit Singh said.
"The final this afternoon (yesterday) would be a different ball game."
The game was played at a slow pace as both teams struggled in the scorching heat.
There were very few chances but Lautoka enjoyed possession and territorial advantage.
Former Nadi and Fiji rep Maika Kasami thought it was a great escape for the Whites.
"I think Suva were quite lucky with that goal by Sedric Dutt. Lautoka with their young team created the better chances but lady luck was not on their side," Kasami said.
"Jone Sorolo made some crucial saves to deny Suva but it was just unlucky for him to let that goal go in.
"But the game of soccer is all about capitalising on the few chances that come your way and Suva did just that."
Sorolo made some excellent saves including one penalty. He made that spot-kick save twice after Saani Issa was told to re-take the kick. Sorolo stopped it both times.
Suva looked a shadow of the side that had earlier played constructive football and looked very much a polished side.
The Whites were pegged back in defence most of the time but when it mattered most they found the back of the net.
Dutt, who started on the bench, came on to stamp his authority and netted the winner.