Highlands march on towards top-flight

Highlands Park Garcia 52 University of Pretoria (0)1 0 HIGHLANDS Park marched towards the PSL, while University of Pretoria stepped towards the exit yesterday.

Winger Jose Garcia scored the lone goal to help Highlands Park extend their lead at the summit of the Absa Premiership promotional play-offs.

Tuks didn’t turn up at the match. They didn’t look anything like a PSL team as they were second best in all departments. They remain at the bottom of the promotion table, with Mbombela United behind the leaders.

What was surprising about Tuks was the absence of two attackers – Lennox Bacela and Thabo Mnyamane. The duo were not even on the bench.

Chances are they were dropped by Shaun Bartlett after unimpressive showings during their 1-0 loss to Mbombela United a fortnight ago.

Tuks were the first to get a real chance, when Tuks striker Atusaye Nyondo, who was fed by Mpho Maruping, had his shot tipped over the bar by Tapuwa Kapini.

The home side were solid, with Rudi Isaacs and Jemaine Christian marshalling the defence.

With Tuks defence unflinching, Highlands Park resorted to taking shots from long range. Winger Garcia created space from 30 yards and he fired a low shot, but keeper Tristyn Coetsee saved.

Tuks may not have been superior in attack, but there were a few instances where they came close to scoring. Thabo Mosadi had two chances to put them ahead.

The winger burst down the right and put in a cross for Nyondo, but the defence dealt with it.

A few minutes later Mosadi came close with a left-footed shot that sailed inches over the bar from close range.

In the second half, Garcia’s free kick gave Highlands Park the lead. Garcia beat Coetsee from 25 yards to score the winning goal.

Tuks tried to force their way back into the game, but there was no way.

This victory gives Highlands Park’s mission to gain PSL status momentum. They currently lead the promotional play-offs table with six points.