Young Ideas edge Lion City to extend lead
YOUNG Ideas extended their lead at the top of the Safa-NMB Premier League table on Saturday when they edged closest rival Lion City 3-2 at the NU2 Stadium in Motherwell.
With 10 matches remaining, City drop to third place, eight points behind the log-leaders.
Ideas struck first with Asanda Makana putting them 1-0 ahead. Akhona Manqola levelled the scores before the break.
Early in the second half, Vuyolewthu Dingaan gave City the lead for the first time. However, two costly errors by City goalkeeper Siviwe Dumse with just five minutes remaining gave Ideas maximum points. Makana equalised and veteran Zukisane Ngalo made it 3-2.
“I am happy with the three points but there are still 30 points to play for and we cannot afford to rest on our laurels,” Ideas coach Bulelani Fina said.
Meanwhile, tailenders Camper United may be down but they are certainly not out.
The Motherwell outfit, who are battling to avoid relegation, could have shared the points at least with Fairview Rovers, who are now second on the log.
They lost 1-0 through a last-gasp goal. A fortnight ago they gave the log-leaders a fright before losing by the same margin.
On Saturday, they took the early initiative and only brilliant goalkeeping by Sheldon Baatjies saved Rovers.
In the second half, United kept up the pressure but failed to find the net. Just when it looked like United would earn a well-deserved point, Bradley Meyer nodded home a cross from Lyle Visagie in the last minute of the match to give Rovers maximum points.
“Full credit to United, who made us fight all the way,” Rovers coach Brendon Prince said. “At the end of the day we are happy with the points as it keeps us in the league race.” Rovers trail Ideas by six points. Royal Bucks and Callies, who are battling for a distant fourth spot, both won their matches. Bucks beat Hotspurs 1-0, while Callies avenged their 3-0 defeat in the first round when they beat Ghetto Stars 3-1.
Showvillage United extended their unbeaten run to seven matches with a 2-1 win over Highland Spurs. However, they are still in the lower half of the league table.
The match between Motherwell Academy and Island City at Kemsley Park was called off due to a clash of colours.
FAIRVIEW Rovers will be training at the Finnis Street fields on Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 5pm. All players are urged to attend. New members are welcome. For more info contact Brendon Prince on 082-854-4221.
Results: Callies 3 Ghetto Stars 1, Camper United 0 Fairview Rovers 1, Central Acemates 1 Despatch Pioneers 0, Motherwell Academy v Island City (postponed), Peace United 1 Ikamva Movers 1, Royal Bucks 1 Hotspurs 0, Showvillage United 2 Highland Spurs 1, Young Ideas 2