The win was built on a rock-solid defensive display, which saw good showings by all four defenders as well as keeper Wayne Roberts.

There was very little goalmouth action to speak of in the opening stages of the game as both teams struggled to create chances.

The highlight of the early stages of the game came via Erwin Isaacs, whose well struck shot from outside the box was acrobatically saved by Walter Khumalo.

Good organisation in the Peoples’ Team defence meant Stars were limited to long range efforts, such as the one from Prince Olumu, which went just wide of the target.

Jurie Basie was innovative for Santos down the right hand flank and he came close for the home side when his header looped onto the roof of the net.

The second half was far more exciting than the opening first half and within minutes of the restart both the lively Graham King and Diyo Sibisi went close with well struck long range efforts for Santos and Stars respectively.

There was drama in the 56 th minute when Wayne Arendse’s goal-bound effort was handled on the line by Olumu.

The Nigerian received his marching orders and the hosts were awarded a spot kick.

Tyren Arendse stepped up for the penalty, but Khumalo was equal to the task and denied the Santos skipper with a fine save.

However, there was little the Ea Lla goal minder could do in the 60 th minute when Bevan Fransch scored with a scorcher of a long range shot which flew into the bottom corner of the net.

The home side continued to push forward and were rewarded in the 80 th minute when Eleazar Rodgers (pictured above) calmly slotted home following a great move involving Isaacs and King.

Tawonga Chimodzi received his marching orders late on to put a slight damper on the evening, but coach David Bright would have been well pleased with a much-needed three points.

While no means a classic performance, the victory will serve as a morale booster for the People's Team, who face Platinum Stars next week.

TEAMS

Santos: Roberts, Oakes, Arendse (Chimodzi 85'), Gabonamong, Fransch, Basie (Paulse 63'), King, Isaacs (Ramathkakwana 82'), Arendse, Rodgers, Macala

Stars: Khumalo, Toromba, Nkosi, Matola, Madimabe (Kauleza 78'), November (Tsotetsi 67'), Lechesa, Olomu, Cloete, Ngcobo (Mashego 86'), Sibisi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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We would love to hear from Engen Santos fans - whether it be on the current form of the
PSL side, or your own personal stories while supporting the team over the years...

Please e-mail Chantel Olivier: chantel.o@santosfc.co.za

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