Durban was delivered the Derby game it was promised tonight as we took on AmaZulu at King Zwelithini Stadium.

The first half was an action packed 45 minutes that saw neither side scoring for their efforts that were put in on the field. It was a classic battle for both ball and field, with each team looked to make plays with their possession and try to make fast counter plays on ball turn over.

We produced some great chances with Venter coming close in the 13th minute, but his shot was wide off the mark.

Although a valiant effort from both sides, neither were able to take a lead going into the break. It was evident that the game was going to produce an entertaining second 45, and that it did.

After returning to the field. AmaZulu looked determined to dominate. It was Mutizwa however that put the goal in the back of the net and opened the scoring after beating the defence and then passig Mbatha on the left to score.

The lead was short lived though as AmaZulu clawed one back with Mnguni getting behind our defence and poking the ball in. He then went on to get his brace with a drive shot in off an assist from Mabiliso.

We were then reduced to 10 men after Venter was sent to the change room for a dangerous tackle.

The battle was on to find an equaliser and we were given a ray of light as Morton was found on the end of a red card decision also for dangerous play.

We could not manage to break the defence again however, and tried high balls into the box, switch plays from the right an direct plays up the middle to try and get into a favourable position to score.

Mbatha did well for the hosts to deny our efforts and in the end the referee’s whistle blew for the last time in the Derby, awarding it to Amazulu.

The team will go back to the drawing board and some serious preparation for the next ABSA Premiership game.

We will however have a break from the tournament as we travel to FNB Stadium next weekend to take on Kaizer Chiefs in the first round of the Nedbank Cup.

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Clinton Larson on the AmaZulu game