National First Division roundup
Cosmos closer to play-offs
Posted: 2011-02-14 06:58
First Division Inland Stream leaders Jomo Cosmos have moved eight points clear of their nearest rivals after beating University of Pretoria 2-1 at the Makhulong Stadium at the weekend, while Black Leopards lost to a plucky FC AK by the same score.
Lowly Blackburn Rovers held Coastal Stream leaders Bay United to a goalless draw in their Eastern Cape derby, and second-placed Thanda Royal Zulu surprisingly lost 3-1 to African Warriors.
Cosmos' win on Saturday evening, thanks to successful strikes by Norman Smith and Katleho Loke, means Jomo Sono's side has almost guaranteed itself a spot in the playoffs - with just six matches remaining.
Tuks' goal came from Thokozani Sekotlong, and at the Tshifulanani Stadium, FC AK knocked the wind out of David Thidiela's side as Joshua Sauls and Kyle Koert hit the back of the net with Rodney Ramagalela answering for the home side.
The gap between fifth-placed FC AK and AmaTuks has narrowed to just six points.
Other results saw Witbank Spurs and Dynamos scoring two goals apiece at the Puma Rugby Stadium, while Batau continued their late revival – beating United FC 2-1.
In the Coastal Stream, Bay remains top with 29 points from 15 games, one ahead of Thanda who lost the plot at Charles Mopeli as veteran striker Bulelani Matross bagged a brace and Jimmy Zakazaka also netted for Warriors.
Carara Kicks and FC Cape Town drew 1-1 in Parow with the home side opening the scoring in the fourth minute but conceding a late equaliser as substitute Saitjheni Tsotetsi ensured Duncan Lechesa's team went home with a point.
Kicks are seven points behind Thanda, and at the bottom end of the log, Nathi Lions and Hanover played out a thrilling 3-3 draw in Durban.
However, according to Hanover chairman Rieduwaan Anthony - Nathi were very 'lucky'.
"Nathi was awarded a last-minute penalty which should not have been given at all," he told KickOff.com. "They were lucky. For us Danny Bowers scored a great hat-trick."
Mpo Maruping netted twice for AmaBhubhesi who continue to be three points ahead of relegation-threatened Hanover.
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