Lowveld High and Penryn College play to a stalemate in exciting match
A different Penryn College team were on the pitch after halftime and quickly placed their stamp to change the complexion of the game.
Penryn College and Lowveld High soccer teams met on the latter school’s soccer pitch last week Wednesday. Supporters from both schools were there to cheer on their teams. During the first half, Lowveld High’s blistering pace unravelled the Penryn defence as they launched attack after attack.
An infringement on the Penryn College goalkeeper rattled his nerves somewhat, and the attacking side scored from a corner kick, courtesy of Lowveld High’s Glen Khoza. As the half continued, the Penryn goalkeeper parried quite a few saves, despite his injured finger. Lowveld High continued to apply the pressure with quick, incisive moves to tear open the Penryn defence, to no avail.
The half ended with a solitary goal separating the two sides. Penryn emerged from half-time a completely different side.
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Lowveld High coach, Sihle Sibande said, “Penryn equalised after Doctor Nkuna lost the ball in the midfield. They played a quick ball which passed our fullback. The attacker ran past the fullback and slotted the ball into the back of the net.
“Penryn looked a different team in the second half. They were more aggressive, pressing us from the back, which caused problems in terms of playing the ball out. The quality of passes from Lowveld High was not as good as in the first half.”
The visiting team absorbed a lot of pressure in the first half, with the home side playing a more expansive game.
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Sibande said, “Penryn looked to be a bit more disciplined and organised in the first half and played us on the counter. While we were launching quick attacks, they were sitting back and absorbing the pressure, cutting out our passes and playing on the counter.
“Their attacking movement was better in the second half and they attacked more from the counter when we lost the ball, especially in the midfield.”
The visiting team scored an equaliser in the 80th minute, levelling the match to 1-1. Sibande’s charges tried breaking through the formidable defence, but the visitors increased their attacking frequency and Marvin Monjane scored.
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He added, “Our defence wasn’t as good in the second half because of their defensive structure. We also had a few scoring opportunities, but their goalkeeper made a number of impressive saves.
“They were a lot stronger in the second half and deserved their goal.”
