Impala 1 show their dominance
Beating Impala 2, six goals to nil in their play-off game of the Mpumalanga Knock-Out Tournament last weekend meant that Impala 1 was promoted to the finals.
The final battle took place on Sunday at Curro College Nelspruit, which saw Impala defeat their rivals Middelburg 4-2 in a nail-biting game.
The opening goal was scored in the 18th minute by Keith Erasmus of the home-based team after a short corner from the top of the circle. A penalty flick was awarded to Impala after Middelburg’s goalie used the back of his stick.
Only minutes later, Brendan Hofmann of Impala shot a penalty and the team took a comfortable 2-0 lead before half-time. Middelburg scored early in the first half but it proved to be too little too late.
Impala ran down the right with the ball and then crossed in when Erasmus took a shot from the penalty spot, which hit a defender on his foot in front of goal and due to the fact that he was the last line of defence, Impala were awarded another penalty flick which Mike Graham slotted.
Ryan Innes went on a great run from the back all the way into the D about 60 metres. He took a shot at Middelburg’s keeper which made a great save and then Bernie Wheeler came in and picked up the rebound and scored the last goal.
Impalas’ Kyle Coleman was awarded man of the match – it was his first season in the first side and he really showed class throughout the season.
“Once again thanks to Andrew Collie, headmaster of Curro and also Ryan McCarthy, sports coordinator of Curro for all the help and support. This was the first tournament hosted by LVCC since they moved,” Erasmus concluded.
The Mpumalanga League will kick-off on Sunday May 3.
Ladies final
Nelspruit 2 – Witbank 3
Plate finals
Witbank Bulldogs 3 – Nelspruit 1
Men’s finals
Impala 4 – Middelburg 2.
