Witbank Shepard held to draw by Fernie Battalion
With teams level it was left to both teams to show how they can handle pressure
Witbank Shepard was held to an unnecessary draw by Fernie Battalion and the game could have been won easily if they had concentrated throughout the match.
The game was played at the Puma Stadium on Saturday, March 12 and the teams played to a 1-1 draw. It was a game between the number five and six in the ABC Motsepe League A stream.
Even though both teams have played the same number of games (15), Fernie won seven, draw three and lost five, accumulating 24 points.
Shepard have won three games, played four draws and lost eight games with only 13 points.
They are not safe from the relegation zone together with Witbank Citylads and Gembok Classic; it is now left to the last games of the season for the decider.
Right from the start of the match Shepard had the upper hand and controlled the match, but failed to put the ball in the net.
Shepard Banele Mkhize had a golden chance to score but missed.
A Fernie Battalion player with the goalkeeper out of the post failed to score as well.
Mkhize was in the picture again when he failed to connect across from the side to score.
Play swing from one side to the other with Shepard having too many passes, even when near the danger zone.
Shepard Refentse Mphela had a place-kick which was blocked for a corner-kick.
Mkhize was substituted for Funani Khoza in the first half to put more pressure on opponents.
Fernie Battalion goalkeeper saved a shot from Shepard Mdlabi Siphelele towards the end of the first half; the teams break for halftime at 0-0.
In the second half Fernie Battalion tried very hard to attack Shepard, but they were let down by their forwards.
Fernie Battalion had a double substitution and that had some effect on their play.
Shepard Njabulo Hlongwane and Mdlami had interpasses, but the long shot just sailed outside.
Shepard captain Themba Maphanga played his heart out in the middle of the field stopping all Fernie Battalion attacks.
Shepard scored their opening goal after they were awarded a penalty to make it 1-0.
Fernie Battalion came back strongly in the second half and Shepard allowed them back into the game and that resulted in them scoring the equaliser with a header to make it 1-1.
With teams level it was left to both teams to show how they can handle pressure.
Fireworks are expected when a derby between Witbank Citylads playing against Witbank Shepard in their last game of the season; both teams are facing the relegation axe.
The game will be played at the Lynnville Stadium on Saturday, March 19.
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