Top 8 spots up for grabs in final week of Solomon's DJ League

Five teams have cemented their spot in the Solomon Islands DJ league ‘Top Eight’ competition while the other three are still up for grabs heading into the final week of the league competition.

Uncles, Makuru, Marist, Koloale and Kossa have secured their spots in the playoff competition while Walas, Hana, Rangers, Naha and Sunbeam will battle it out for the remaining three.

Results of catch up matches later this week will determine the final three clubs who will make the top 8 competition.

It has created a very exciting final week of matches in Honiara with teams desperate to make the final cut.

Naha’s dream of reaching the Top Eight suffered a major setback when they lost 3-1 to Walas on Saturday.

Naha have one game to play – against Sunbeam - which will prove crucial in determining their final standing in the league. Regardless of the result Naha will have to wait on other results to decide their fate.

Rangers have two games remaining while Sunbeam have three and a series of wins for either side would spoil Naha’s dream.

Naha conceded three quick goals in Saturdays defeat to Walas which killed the match of instantly. Their second half performance was improved with strike duo Lawrence Foanoata and George Laukeni creating many half chances but unable to capitalize on any. Match referee Matthew Taro had to suspend the match for 20 minutes in the second half because of heavy rain. The match resumed after rain subsided and was an evenly contested affair.

Laukeni’s persistence paid dividends for the Naha striker when he scored a consolation goal in the second half to lift his sides moral. But it was too little too late as Walas defended their lead, throwing everything in to ensure they went away with all three match points. Two Walas players were shown red cards for dangerous play in the latter stages of the match.

Meanwhile, Koloale beat Laugu 3-0 in the earlier match to secure their place in the ‘top eight’.

Honiara Football Association administrator Barnabas Loloito is confident the remaining outstanding matches will be completed this week so that the top 8 competition can start on April 17, 2008.

Fixtures
- Tue 8th April Sunbeam vs Naha 4p.m Lawson Tama
- Wed 9th April Rangers vs Laugu 4p.m Lawson Tama
- Thur 10th April Sunbeam vs Makuru 4p.m Lawson Tama
- Rangers vs Sunbeam (to be confirmed)

Source: OFC