NFD leaders drop valuable points
NFD leaders drop valuable points
Posted: 2010-01-18 07:04
There were upsets in the National First Division as both Inland and Coastal stream leaders; African Warriors and Nathi Lions, dropped valuable points, while the respective Play-off contenders Witbank Spurs, Bay United and Vasco da Gama took full advantage.
The drama began on Friday evening at the Absa Stadium in Pretoria where University of Pretoria downed 10-man-Warriors 3-2, thanks to a late brace by Phinda Dlamini and good work from influential substitute Richard Ferreira.
Earlier, Mfanelo Makume and Aaron Lepele had netted for Jabu Khumalo’s side but Tuks, showing more determination and character, moved away from the drop zone.
Another club, which displayed sheer grit, was bottom-of-the-log Hanover Park, who grabbed a vital away point against Mlungisi Ngubane’s highflying Nathi Lions.
Park’s 1-1 draw at the Mpumalanga Stadium coupled with losses by Ikapa Sporting and FC Cape Town means only one point separates the Mother City’s lowest three outfits and with just four games to go they will be fighting like cats and dogs to avoid the drop into the Vodacom League.
Bay easily overcame a disjointed Ikapa at Ikamva will a goal in each half and the ex-PSL side is now level on level points with Nathi Lions after 17 matches.
Umlilo, taking advantage of the wind, opened their scoring when newcomer John Giannikas headed home midway through the first half, and the game was all over early in the second period after Nhlanhla Vilakazi cracked a great drive into the back of the net – leaving his beaming chairman Sipho Pityana the happiest man of the afternoon!
At nearby Blue Downs, Vasco fought back from being a goal down in the second minute of play to overpower their local rivals 2-1 – giving Carlos das Neves’ side a good chance of still reaching the Play-offs.
It was a match of red-hot tempers and at the final whistle, FC Cape Town were down to just nine men, with Vasco fans celebrating Keenin Lesch’s brace, including a penalty.
Thanda Royal Zulu’s good run of form came to an abrupt halt at Charles Mopeli with Carara Kicks winning 2-1 – effectively dashing any hopes Sammy Troughton’s men had of getting back into the PSL this season.
On Sunday, United FC dumped Dynamos 3-0 at DP de Villiers Stadium and Witbank Spurs, who finished second bottom last season, defeated Batau FC 1-0 to move into second spot, three points behind Warriors – although Black Leopards have two games in hand to play.
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