GOLDEN ARROWS VS MARITZBURG UTD | ABSA

Competition: Absa Premiership
Date: Tuesday, 10 November 2012
Venue:King Zwelithini Stadium
Kick-off: 18:00pm

Lamontville Golden Arrows have suffered a 1-0 loss to KwaZulu-Natal rivals Maritzburg United in their Absa Premiership clash at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday evening.
It was an unfortunate defeat for the side, who created opportunities to have got something from the game, but were ultimately undone by a first-half goal from Rheece Evans.

Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi brought in Ritus Krjauklis for the suspended Musa Bilankulu at the heart of the Abafana Bes’thende defence. Midfielder Russell Mlotshwa also got a rare start.

Maritzburg United brought in Orlando Smeekes for Terrence Mandaza as coach Ernst Middendorp shuffled his pack.

It was a bright opening from both sides, without either goalkeeper being tested much. That was until midway through the half when Evans scored his first PSL goal after some sloppy defending from the home side.

Zambian Justine Zulu could not get the ball away from the corner and Delron Buckley crossed for Evans to score.

It was perhaps a little hard on the home side, and there were further aggrieved some minutes later when Norman Smith had a good chance to bring his side level, but put the ball wide of goal.

The visitors had two chances in quick succession, Buckley and Mario Booysen putting their efforts side of goal though. Mlotshwa had two chances of his own that were both saved by Shu-Aib Walters in the United goal.

The same player headed over the bar when he really should have done better in the second period, while substitute Gabuza, who came on for Zulu at halftime, tested Walters, but the keeper made a comfortable save.

Bongi Ntuli had a headed opportunity that went wide late on, as did Gabuza, but Mngqithi’s side were unable to find an equaliser.

The Telkom Knockout next weekend means the team will have a break from matches, but will be back in action on November 21 at home to Bloemfontein Celtic.

MATCH STATS
Lamontville Golden Arrows 0
Maritzburg United (1) 1 (Evans 21)

Arrows: Steinbors, Zwane, Krjauklis, Musonda, Tom, Shange, Khuboni (Ntuli 73’), Nene, Mlotshwa (Mapolisa 69’), J Zulu (Gabuza 46’), Smith

Maritzburg: Walters, Cloete, M Booysen, Awal, Evans (D Booysen 84’), Morton, Matuka, Buckley, Hendricks, Smeekes (Mandaza 65’), Malajila (Yende 87’)