Pirates stage remarkable second half
Thembalethu outfit Young Pirates were up against the Pacaltsdorp-based side
Real Pacaltsdorp FC in a Geolfa League game on Sunday afternoon, 14 April at the Lawaaikamp stadium.
Young Pirates, who previously played in the Safa Eden HollywoodBets Regional League, defeated Real Pacaltsdorp 4-1 in a thrilling display of good soccer. Odwa Moss (hat trick) and Anathi Mapapa netted the four goals for Young Pirates, while Linkin Mentoor score the solitary goal for the Pacaltsdorp team.
Both teams are battling for the top eight positions on the Geolfa log. The highly motivated Pacaltsdorp side lost the battle in the last 45 minutes after displaying excellent footwork in the first half - Ociano Pretorious had a positive chance, but it was unfortunately denied by the woodwork.
A balanced first half
The started at slow pace with the Real Pacaltsdorp players trying to get the ball rolling. Young Pirates players were fending off the offensive play from the Pacaltsdorp flanks.
Pirates received a free kick on the left side of the field, but the ball was cleared away by a Real Pacaltsdorp defender. Nico Ludolph of Pacaltsdorp tried his luck driving a powerful shot outside the box, but his strike went straight to Young Pirates shotstopper Sizwe Kaptein.
Odwa Moss netted the first goal after a delightful pass played in from the centre of the field, making it 1-0.
Real Pacaltsdorp came back into the game with full force grinding for their equalising goal and Young Pirates had their work cut out to defend their lead. The Pacs side were pushing every ball in front of the box trying to get an opportunity for an equalising goal and, after great work from the right side of the field, Linkin Mentoor of Real Pacaltsdorp scored the equalising goal to make it 1-1.
The first half ended 1-1 with Real Pacaltsdorp looking very smart in the first 20 minutes.
Thrilling second half
The second half started at a fast pace with both teams chasing more scoring chances. Real Pacs received a set piece, but it was well defended by Young Pirates. Young Pirates employed their skill on the ball, playing inter-passes from the centre of the field to create spaces on the field.
Anathi Mapapa netted the second goal, making it 2-1 after some solid work resulting from a corner kick.
Young Pirates players gained more confidence, taking the game away from
Real Pacaltsdorp team - Odwa Moss broke through to score the third goal for his side. The Real Pacaltsdorp back line made a dangerous tackle inside the box, giving away a soft penalty to Young Pirates. Odwa Moss netted the fourth goal with a powerful strike from the penalty spot to make it 4-1. The Pacaltsdorp side worked hard to come back into the game, but it was not their day. The Geolfa League game ended 4-1 with Young Pirates collecting three points. Both sides played entertaining football in the second half, creating more opportunities.