Warriors clear at the top
Warriors clear at the top
Posted: 2009-12-21 09:35
There were a number of upsets in the National First Division Coastal Stream at the weekend.
High-flying Vasco da Gama lost 1-0 to Thanda Royal Zulu and last-placed Hanover Park overpowered FC Cape Town 2-1, while in the top-of-the-table Inland clash, African Warriors beat Black Leopards 2-0 - to move four points clear at the top of the log.
On Saturday, at a windy Parow Park, Vasco upset their faithful fans with a lethargic display which left coach Carlos das Neves fuming at half time.
However, despite the fact that he was heard reading the riot act to his warriors at the break, things got even worse as Sammy Troughton’s side gained the upper hand.
In fact, it was some clever substitutions by the Thanda coach - with Lucky Mzizi and the lanky Dale Studzinski coming off the bench – which eventually paved the way for Thanda’s success.
Earlier, Vasco’s Anthony Moniz missed an open header and it was only a matter of time before the Durban side secured their three-point haul with 20 minutes to go - via the talented Mzizi.
In another vital clash, leaders Nathi Lions and Bay United played to a 1-1 draw in Durban with both sides complaining bitterly about the standard of refereeing.
On Sunday, lowly Ikapa Sporting managed to grab a point off Carara Kicks at Charles Mopeli Stadium following a 2-2 draw, but with Hanover’s away victory over FC Cape Town – all three Mother City clubs now find themselves drawn into a relegation dogfight.
Warriors, thanks to a fine brace by Bulelani Matross, are now firm favourites to grab the Inland crown after their good away win over ex-PSL side Leopards, but University of Pretoria failed to gain important ground on the leaders as they lost 2-0 to United FC.
And with the out-of-form Dynamos crashing by the same score line against Witbank Spurs, for whom Sipho Malapane and Sello Phahlane netted in each half, it looks as though no other clubs want to challenge.
At the other end of the table, although gallant Winners Park scored four times against Batau FC at the Mpumalanga Stadium, they lost the match 5-4, which leaves them seven points adrift – needing a miracle to stay in the NFD!
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