Another boost for Highbury's league hopes

PORT Elizabeth's Highbury soccer team maintained their winning streak when they beat Red Stars 2-1 in an Eastern Cape ABC Motsepe League clash at the New Rest Stadium in Lusikisiki at the weekend. The win boosted Highbury's chances of claiming the No1 spot in the league before the end of the season as they collected maximum points. The struggling Stars, who are at the bottom of the table, gave Highbury a tough match when they dominated the first half and scored the opening goal. Stars went into the break leading 1-0. Highbury came back in the second stanza with a few changes to their personnel. They were much quicker to the ball, and their international player, Abdul Feidul, equalised in the 70th minute. Highbury were determined to collect maximum points to boost their league title challenge. They achieved this goal when Leroy van Rensburg doubled the score for the visitors in the 85th minute. Van Rensburg came back to find the net one more time, but the referee disallowed this goal after spotting an infringement. Highbury coach Garth Dickinson said he was happy with the team. "We displayed very good football but we lacked concentration in the first half and this allowed them to score," Dickinson said. "Our aim is to continue winning games and to reach the top spot on the table." Meanwhile, Kwazakhele based-side Morning Stars drew 3-3 against Tembu Royals in another ABC Motsepe League clash at the Zwide Stadium on Friday. Stars were in control in the opening minutes of the game when they were awarded a penalty in the 20th minute. Enricho Plaatjies made no mistake when he put his side in the lead by converting the penalty into a goal. The referee awarded the home side another penalty and Plaatjies netted the second goal. Royals scored their opening goal before the break. They came back in the second half more determined to level the score. Royals doubled their score but Plaatjies ended their celebration by scoring the third goal for Stars. The visitors were awarded a penalty in the dying minutes of the match which drew the scores level. Another Port Elizabeth outfit, Real City, were crushed 7-2 by Mthatha Bucks at the Rotary Stadium in Mthatha on Saturday. - Mthetho Ndoni