It’s near done deal for Stars
Star of India moved a step closer to their first premier league silverware in nine years as a double strike from seasoned striker Temba Moloi secured them a tightly fought 2-1 win against defending East London Central Local Football Association champs, Riverside on Sunday at the North End Stadium.
It was the champions who drew first blood in the second half when Alcino Smith played a one-two, before making space out wide on the right to curl the ball past the keeper for a superb opening goal.
The champions-elect pushed players upfront and were rewarded when Ettiene Saptoe landed a perfect square from the right which was headed in at the far post by Moloi.
Moloi wrapped up the comefrom-behind win when Lwan- do Soldati bulldozed his way past a cluster of defenders before laying the ball off for him to slot the ball past the keeper for a dramatic last-minute winner.
Second-placed Seagulls recorded a 2-0 win against Millan, proving they are likely to be the biggest threat to the champions-elect.
Third-placed Pride of India remained in the hunt for honours after a sensational 2-1 win against Swaraj.
DiRoma remained on course for a top four finish with a come-from-behind 3-1 win against Brothers of Peace.
In the other premier league results veteran striker Irwin Cramford struck an invaluable first half goal to lead relegationthreatened Atlantic Spurs to a hard-fought 1-0 win against Parkside United.
Spurs climbed off the basement and now find themselves four points from safety after other relegation-threatened candidates Conquerors suffered a 3-2 defeat to a rejuvenated Napoli in midweek.
Scenery Park-based Millan dropped down to the bottom of the log and seem destined to go down.
Despite going down 2-0 to Leeds United in their final round of John Korkie-sponsored First Division league fixtures on Saturday at the North End Stadium, Fort Hare-based Imonti Christian Centre were officially crowned the First Division league champions, and are subsequently promoted to the 2019 Premier League Championship.
CC Lloyd-based Leeds United make a welcome return to the premier league after a threeyear absence when they secured First Division league runners-up spot with this win.