GOLDEN ARROWS VS WITBANK SPURS | NFD

Competition: NFD
Date: Friday,24 October 2014
Venue: Chatsworth Stadium
Kick-off: 15:30pm

Lamontville Golden Arrows have drawn to Witbank Spurs in their NFD fixture in Chatsworth this afternoon. The home side fought for 90 minutes to get a goal, however this was to no avail.

The first half of the game was very intense with Spurs coming onto the field with an attitude that one can only think was meant to intimidate the Golden Arrows players. For the better part of 10 minutes, the sound of the referees whistle was almost constant as he blew Spurs for dangerous tackles and aggressive play. In the first 5 minutes, Arrows were awarded a free a number of free kicks, one of which was crossed into the box, headered in and punched away by the Spurs keeper.

This set the tempo for the first half which saw Golden Arrows continually pushing up to the Spurs box with well executed set pieces and retention of ball by the players. They dominated on possession and outplayed Witbank Spurs at every turn. The only retaliation from Spurs being more physical attacks. They were seldom allowed to play their game and this increased their frustration.

On more than one occasion, well executed play got the Arrows attack right into the box, and if it were not for some decent saves from Spurs keeper, they would have been on the board before the break.

After half-time, Golden Arrows returned to the field with the same strategy in place. Play the ball into the opponents box and get the opportunity to score. With L. Dube substituted on the half-whistle, a fresh injection of pressure came to the field in the form of Kok.

He was afforded a couple of opportunities to score, being in the box and with some decent possession, he had the chance on a number of occasions to score. One miss-timed pass, a header that was punched away and some nifty keeping denied him opening his account for Abafana Bes’thende.

Unfortunately almost every play that Abafana Bes’thende had went the same way. Well executed play up the wings or centre field, advantage play from corners, ball crossed into the box, but on the day the finishing was just not kind. The team fought a hard battle but could just not get the goal they were all so eagerly playing for.

That being said, it’s also positive seeing that after 8 games now, the side has not yet conceded a goal. The defensive play of the team did not allow Spurs the same number of scoring opportunities as they enjoyed, and Mbaeva did a great job once again defending the net. The positive and confident play from the backs is most impressive and contributes a lot to the general positive mind-set in the team.

We would encourage as many supporters to get to Chatsworth on Wednesday, when the team take on Boroka FC at 15h30.