Jomo Cosmos move further ahead on the log
Cosmos move clear of chasing pack
Posted: 2011-02-07 10:26
There were some fascinating results in the National First Division at the weekend where Bay United stunned Coastal Stream leaders Thanda Royal Zulu, hammering them 3-0 at the Westbourne Oval, while in the Inland Stream Batau finally picked up their first win of the season – thumping Dynamos 6-3 at home.
Umlilo, with goals from Walter Ramulondi, Siyabonga Nontshinga and Zamuxolo Ngalo have now leap-frogged 'Professor' Ngubane's Amabhubhesi on goal difference, and following Carara Kicks' 1-1 draw with Hanover Park, the top two outfits are well on their way to reaching the play offs – with an eight-point cushion.
At the other end of the log, the situation is getting very interesting after Blackburn Rovers' shocked Nathi Lions at Durban's Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium with a last-minute winner from new signing Clarence Foroma as Rovers grabbed all three crucial points – giving the Eastern Cape side more hope of avoiding the drop.
But Nathi's 1-0 loss has left club owner Nathi Maphumulo a worried man - his side sits just three points from safety with seven games to play.
The match between African Warriors and FC Cape Town also ended all square at one goal apiece, which doesn't help either of their causes.
In the Inland Stream, Jomo Cosmos moved up to 31 points from 14 games after Souleymane Diabate was again on target with Ezenkosi beating Witbank Spurs 1-0 at the Puma Rugby Stadium.
Second-placed University of Pretoria, who could only manage a 1-1 draw away to an improving FC AK, is now five points adrift of Cosmos, while Black Leopards are lurking just behind Steve Barker's side after downing United FC 2-0 at home.
Batau's morale-boosting victory has certainly lifted spirits in the camp as the gap between them and Dynamos has narrowed to nine points but whether they can muster enough wins over the next few weeks to maintain their spot in the league remains the big question.
Dynamos, on the other hand must be worried as their defence continues shipping goals - they recently lost 5-0 to FC AK.
Comment on this article:
TERMS OF USE: The comments posted below do not reflect the views of KickOff.com. Users are reminded that no misuse of this comment facility will be tolerated. Any abusive, racist or inflammatory comments will be deleted and the user banned. Please report abusive posts to editor@kickoff.com