Helenvale hang on to top spot in league
HELENVALE United Football Club remained at the summit of the Northern Areas Football Association log after securing a draw away to Saints Football Club at the weekend.
As one of only a handful of clubs still unbeaten in the league, the club has started the season like a house on fire, winning their opening two matches before Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Saints.
Head coach Eldridge Matsimella said the team’s focus now shifted to the upcoming SPAR Nafa Easter Tournament.
“It’s still early in the season, but we have a few young boys in the team who are really showing their potential to do well for the team,” he said.
He said the important thing for his team was player management and making sure the depth of the squad was enough to ensure they had enough legs to carry them to the end of the season.
Saturday afternoon saw a feast of soccer with various clubs in action across the city. In the first game of the day, Shamrocks slipped out of the top 10 after going down 4-1 to West Lake.
Ramblers, who occupy fifth spot on the log, played to a 2-2 draw against Hotspurs.
Bottom club Glenville met Stardrift as they looked to find their feet and get off the foot of the table, earning a point with a 1-1 draw.
Celtic and Wolves also played out to 2-2 draw.
Second-placed Fairview Rovers gave their pursuit of the league’s top spot another boost as they put four goals, without reply, past a struggling Park United.
United now find themselves only a point off the bottom three with three points in as many games.
On Sunday, Bloom Callies moved up to third position after a 2-1 victory over Fairdene, while Blackpool thumped Rangers 4-1 in their mid-table clash.
A week one fixture replay saw West Lake and Ramblers also play to a goalless draw, while the week two fixture replay between Shamrocks and Celtic scheduled for Fairview was called off after the field had been double-booked.