/ 16 September 2004

Santos claw their way up the log

Santos moved up to the seventh spot on the Premier Soccer League log after defeating Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-1 at the Athlone Stadium on Wednesday night.

There were no goals in the first half.

Playing against a strong wind, Santos, did all the attacking but once again, could not convert the several chances they had. The visitors were quick on the counter attack but did not cause the home side much trouble.

In the 30th minute, Richard Henyekane, moved past a flat-footed Santos defence and, from the edge of the box, unleashed a powerful shot that went past the far upright.

Santos came close in the 17th minute when Marawan Bantam centred to Lebohang Kukame whose first-time shot was blocked by Arrows ‘keeper Davis Phiri.

Ricardo Manetti was outstanding for Santos and spectators noted that his distribution was excellent.

Just before the interval, Bantam’s shot was well stopped by a diving Phiri.

Santos took the lead in the 47th minute when a defender failed to clear a throw in. The ball bounced at Bantam’s feet and he easily scored.

Santos were fortunate in the 60th minute when Ryan Wuest failed to hold an easy shot. The ball rolled forward to Thiyekile Gulwa whose tap was cleared off the line by Edries Burton.

Santos scored again in the 63rd minute when Manetti put over a cross to Ewen Isaacs who lopped the ball over Phiri.

In the 80th minute, Isaac, fluffed the easiest chance to confirm his brace: he kicked straight at Phiri.

Sizza Dlamini volleyed a cross high into the net to reduce Arrows’ deficit in injury time. – Sapa