1-0 victory for Highlands Park
Highlands Park FC defeated Maritzburg FC 1-0 in an entertaining Premiership league game played at the Makhulong Stadium.
Football supporters packed the Makhulong Stadium on Sunday during the ABSA Premier Soccer League game between the Tembisa-based, Highlands Park FC and Maritzburg United FC.
Highlands Park FC defeated Maritzburg FC 1-0 in an entertaining Absa Premiership league game played at the Makhulong Stadium.
The victory sees the local boys move out of the relegation zone after they’ve accumulated three points.
Highlands Park is now lying 13th on the Absa Premiership standings, with 20 points gained from 21 matches.
From the first whistle, both teams were more than prepared and eager to win, with the hosts Tapuwa Kapini and Maritzburg United’s Virgil Vries both making good saves to deny Peter Shalulile of Highlands Park and United’s Evans Rusike.
Against the run of play, local boys claimed a lead through veteran midfielder Surprise Moriri scoring with a header from a corner kick in the 23rd minute of the game.
In an aim to find an equaliser, Maritzburg United players dominated the ball possession, but could not beat goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini towards the end of the first half.
The score was 1-0 at the break.
Going into the second half, both teams came back well organised, with Maritzburg United putting pressure on the locals, hoping for an equaliser.
Substitutions were made from both sides.
Both teams had the most notable chances at goal; but they were, however, fruitless.
The game ended in a 1-0 victory for Highlands Park FC.
Veteran midfielder Surprise Moriri was awarded as Man of the Match.
Moriri said, “It was a good win. If the boys fight the way we fought today, we will have a chance in the Premiership league.”
Meanwhile, Highlands Park’s head coach Mr Gordon Igesund said he was happy with the performance and discipline of the players.
“It was always going to be a hard game. I am very happy with the ‘never say die’ attitude of my players. They worked hard and I am proud of them. We could have actually scored another goal as we had big chances,” said Igesund.
He said the win does not mean they are out of the relegation.
“We’ve got to keep working hard and keep our feet on the ground. I am pleased with Surprise Moriri’s performance, he was absolutely outstanding,” said Igesund.
