Derby day thriller set for Zwide

WOUNDED Highbury are hunting for the scalps of Morning Stars as the two Port Elizabeth rivals meet in a potentially explosive Safa Eastern Cape Second Division League clash at the Zwide Stadium at 7pm today.

Both teams dropped maximum points in their league clashes last week. Highbury were dismantled 3-2 by East London side FC Buffalo, while Stars went down 2-1 to neighbours Real City.

Kwazakhele Stars coach Siyabulela Isaac said they had recovered from City's defeat in Motherwell last weekend and wanted to send Highbury back empty-handed.

"It is another tough one for us and we have no choice but to win this match against Highbury.

"The defeat by City is behind us and we are looking forward to consolidating our challenge for the league."

Isaac said the team would apply an attacking game plan and tighten up at the back.

The side's position on the log table was not looking good, hence they were hungry to collect the three points when they played at home.

Meanwhile, Highbury have been inconsistent and hope to bounce back to stay in the top five.

Coach Garth Dickinson said the local derby would be a challenging encounter but his charges had more experience than the Stars.

"We are not the best team in the league because we've also had a few losses, but we've worked hard on our problems and we are hoping for the maximum points.

"Derbies are always difficult because it is always intense but we are sharpening our team to reduce the gap up front. We need to pick up the points against Stars."

Dickinson said the team's strategy would be to push all their players forward and attack from all positions. He expected a high-paced match, a style of football with which his players were very comfortable.

Meanwhile, Motherwell-based Real City come face to face with Cacadu United in another Safa Eastern Cape Second Division League match.

It will be played at the Ward 4 Sport Field in Alexandria tomorrow at 3pm.

The home side's confidence prior to the match has been boosted by their victory over Stars last weekend.

City coach Bonke Namba says his team will be going for the three full points.

Namba said time was running out for them to start making an impact in the league before the first stage of the season.

"There is no doubt that we have assembled a good team. The problem is that there is no consistency in a lot of things in our camp.

"The game against Cacadu United will be a tough one, but we are determined to fight for a win," Namba said.