SANTOS SHARE SPOILS IN SIX GOAL THRILLER



3 February 2010

Santos showed character as they came back from 3-1 down to earn a point against Free State Stars, thanks to two late goals by Phikolethu Spelman.

Ea Lla Koto grabbed the lead within the first minute when striker Aleni Lebyane's shot beat the Santos' keeper Tshepo Motsoeneng.

Stars continued to pile pressure and, in the 15th minute, Siyabonga Mdluli's cross found Lebyane whose header hit the cross bar with the keeper well-beaten.

Tension mounted during the first half as the teams played their hearts out under scorching temperatures.

Stars enjoyed greater possession with the diminutive midfielder Kleinbooi Taaibos tormenting the visitors' defence.

In the 29th minute, Stars' Matome Madimabe took a powerful shot which was parried for a corner by Motsoeneng.

Stars doubled their lead in the 47th minute when Fabio Costa Marinho's powerful header rattled the roof of the net to make it 2-0.

The People's Team came back rejuvenated after the break, trying to catch the home team on the counter attack and were rewarded in the 49th minute when Erwin Isaacs reduced the deficit and made it 2-1.

In the 81st minute, the ball from Taaibos took a deflection through Ricardo Skippers and he netted an own goal.

Hero of the day, Spelman, then scored his brace in the 83rd and 90th minutes to send his team home with a point.