Highbury soar up log after destroying City

PORT Elizabeth semi-professional football outfit Highbury moved to the top position of the Safa Eastern Cape Second Division League table after whipping Real City 3-0 in a Nelson Mandela Bay derby at the NU2 Stadium in Motherwell.

The victory sees Highbury lead the pack on goal difference from second-placed Mthatha Bucks, with both teams on 16 points from six matches. Motherwell-based Real City were determined to break Highbury's undefeated record in the league on Tuesday but their game plan was disappointing.

Highbury started the first half at a fast pace and dominated possession in the first 20 minutes. They were without their top goal scorer Farouk Abrahams, who sustained an ankle injury against Red Stars last weekend.

Highbury's Keenan Andrews scored the first goal in the 17th minute. City's defenders made many mistakes, one of which created an opportunity for Andrico Arendse to score the second goal for Highbury in the 37th minute. Highbury continued attacking but City's goalkeeper made several crucial saves to deny them more goals.

City pushed forward after the break but constantly lost control of the ball in midfield.

Highbury opened up all their cylinders to apply more pressure on the league's rookies when Damian Christian scored the last goal of the match in the 70th minute.

They collected the maximum points they needed to intensify their league championship challenge.

Coach Garth Dickinson said the team's game plan against City was to be very tactical. "We ... didn't give them breathing space from the start."

He said the victory was a major boost for his players before their crucial clash against Mthatha Bucks in Mthatha on Saturday.

City coach Bonke Namba said his team were disappointed at losing two consecutive league games within three days.

Meanwhile, Kwazakhele-based Morning Stars were defeated 2-0 by Kokstad Liverpool in a Safa Eastern Cape Second Division League match in Kokstad on Tuesday.