SuperSport continue climb up log

23 Dec 2007 12:30 - Sy Lerman

It was always going to be a Premier League game in which a solitary goal -- much like a bolt of lightning on a cloudless sky -- would decide the issue at Atteridgeville's Super Stadium on Saturday night. And, in a dour clash lacking in inspiration, the bolt of lightning was provided by a 24th minute Rudi Isaacs header.

It was always going to be a Premier League game in which a solitary goal—much like a bolt of lightning on a cloudless sky—would decide the issue at Atteridgeville’s Super Stadium on Saturday night.

And, in a dour clash lacking in inspiration, the bolt of lightning was provided by a 24th minute Rudi Isaacs header from a soaring Elias Pelembe cross which enabled SuperSport United to beat a depleted Bloemfontein Celtic 1-0, vault above their opponents and continue their steady climb up the PSL log.

But, while SuperSport played with more venom and resolution than their opponents and deserved their victory, Isaacs was lucky not to concede a penalty 10 minutes later when a crunching infringement should have resulted in a Celtic spot-kick instead of a free-kick.

The second half was barren with excitement and neither goalkeeper was tested.

SuperSport should have gone ahead as early as the eighth minute when a jinxing dribble left Daine Klate with the goal at his mercy, but the diminutive left-sided midfielder shot straight at goalkeeper Shaiub Walters.

Then, in the 43rd minute, SuperSport had another gilt-edged opportunity when the usually dependable Walters was caught in no-man’s-land after misjudging a corner.

But Celtic full-back James Madidilane performed with heroic courage in blocking a ferocious shot with his goalkeeper out of sight.

Goals were clearly going to be at a premium in the second period and Zondo had justification in claiming that a spate of injuries have removed the early-season zest and enterprise from Celtic’s play.