/ 25 January 2009

Santos pull off undeserved win

A goal three minutes from time gave Santos three points they hardly deserved in their Premier Soccer League match against Bay United at the EPRU Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Sunday.

Playing in sweltering heat the home team took command from the kick off and could have been two goals ahead within the first ten minutes. On both occasions Vincent Khumalo was the culprit as he squandered easy chances.

United goalkeeper Arthur Bartman was a spectator in the early stages and only got his first touch in the 16th minute.

Although Santos were on the back foot they had the best chance when Romano Scott hit the left upright with Bartman well beaten. The visitors then came into the game and within minutes Graham King had Bartman at full stretch as he brought off an excellent save.

Just before the break Gareth Ncaca had the home crowd on its feet when he hit the side-netting.

During the break United gave Cameronian Jean Njoh his first run when he came on for striker Linos Chalwe.

Midway in the half Santos had two close calls as a free kick from the edge of the area by Ncaca skimmed the upright and a header by Maphelo Galada was palmed out by Chansa.

With the game heading for a draw Erwin Isaacs caught the entire United defence napping from an acute angle inside the area.

United came back strongly for the equaliser and once again Khumalo fluffed a chance from the six metres out. – Sapa