26 November 2008

United back on track!

It's been a while coming, but Maritzburg United are back to winning ways following a gutsy 2-1 win over fellow newly-promoted side Bay United at the Woodburn Stadium on Wednesday afternoon.

The early chances fell the way of the visiting team - Asanda Mvalo and David Twala had long range efforts, while Vincent Khumalo headed over the bar from close range after six minutes.

Bay United keeper Arthur Bartmann frustrated Maritzburg in the 13th minute when he pulled off a double save to deny Brice Aka and Colleen Zimba.

Tony Tsabedze looked to try and put the Team of Choice ahead in the 21st minute, but his free kick was off target.

The PE team then hit back with a few more chances, but Jermaine Christian and Khumalo failed to hit the target.

Maritzburg could have taken a 29th minute lead, but Brice Aka headed wide of goal after he was picked out by Bageta Dikulu's free kick.

Shots on goal were then traded as Christian and Jimmy Zakazaka had efforts on goal for Bay United, while John Arwuah and Tsabedze looked to get on the score-sheet for the home side.

Six minutes after the restart the Team of Choice took the lead when Tsabedze buried the ball into the top corner from 18-yards out after a pass from Peter Petersen.

United's lead was however short-lived as Zakazaka crossed for Abeyoni Adebayo to score from close range only six minutes later.

However, the game swung again in the 59th minute when Aka crashed home a low shot from 18-yards out: 2-1 to Maritzburg!

The home side were however soon under pressure again as George Ngangqu and Cyril Nzama both headed over the bar for the Eastern Cape side.

Maritzburg were in the end able to play out the last 15 minutes with relative comfort to hold on for the win and the crucial three points.