Gulls soar to easy pickings
EAST London Central Local Football Association produced a weekend of scintillating premier league football action with no less than 25 goals scored in the six matches played.
Seagulls dished out a workmanlike effort in premier league after recording a thrilling 3-1 win over tabletoppers Star of India, while other title contenders Swaraj, Pride of India and defending champions Riverside dropped crucial points.
Seagulls were aiming to return to winning ways when they faced the champions-elect Star of India and they made their presence felt as early as the 11th minute when Anil Reddy converted from the penalty spot after Marco van Wyk was fouled inside the penalty area.
Ivandre Campbell however restored sanity to proceedings when he equalised with a gem of a free-kick in the 24th minute.
Stars were again found wanting early in the second half when another clumsy foul inside the penalty area resulted in Ettiene Meth converting from the spot.
The die was cast in the 67th minute when Bevlin Willard rounded the keeper to net and seal a hard-earned win for the ‘Gulls which put them back on track for league honours.
Pride of India produced sublime football but were unfortunate not to come away with a deserved win against a Riverside outfit who had their deadly striker Sheldon Stevens to thank after he netted a superb hattrick in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
Prides led on three occasions through goals from Kwanele Kangela, Keith Bantom and Juninho Klaasen but were denied maximum points through Stevens’ heroics.
Afeez Tiama was simply outstanding in the central midfield role for Pride of India. Angel Snyman and Mawetu Williams each struck twice for DiRoma in securing a 5-2 win against Millan and Parkside United earned a hard-fought 3-3 draw against Napoli through goals from Lonwabo Matomelo, Curtis Green and Keanu Perrin.
Conquerors caused the biggest surprise of the weekend when they held Swaraj to a 1-1 draw.
First Division results were: Saints 1 FC East London 0; Imonti Christian Centre 2 Real Dukashe 0; K-Way 5 Ngamla 2; Leeds United 2 Diaroma 0; Central United 1 Alphen Warriors 0.