Nelson Mandela Bay’s best hope of future Premier Soccer League (PSL) participation, Bay Stars, overpowered Matta Milan 2 – 1 in a rainy Dutywa yesterday to collect three points on the road.
The first half was a major tussle to disturb the nets but unfortunately it was not meant to be as both teams had to walk off to the change rooms at half time without scoring any goals.
Bay Stars Coach Graham Harrison said that his charges dominated proceedings during the first 45 minutes but they could not capitalize on their sterling efforts.
The visitors drew first blood though through an excellent goal by defender Niven Kops and showed their intention to collect three points early in the second half.
However Matta Milan did not want to disappoint their home fans and managed to score an equalizer close to the 55th minute mark. This did not prevent Stars’ Lindsay Stowman from disappointing the local fans when he disturbed the net in the 80th minute. Then the eyebrows inevitably rose when the second half lasted a full 51 minutes but this did not stop the team from giving one of their best performances.
“I am very proud of the boys as they managed to handle the conditions very well and showed character.
“They delivered the goods by dishing up a gutsy performance and deserved the win without a doubt,” Coach Harrison added.
This week’s match was the second away game with another game on the road waiting for Bay Stars when they take on OR Tambo at the Breidbach Sport Field this Saturday, 25 February, at 15:00.
Managing Director Tony Lovegrove says that three away matches will be a test of character for the players but he is sure that they will pass the test of time as the business end of the season is fast approaching.
“Everybody is well aware of the importance of building on our excellent performances and to remain focused on delivering on the field of play,” he added.
Dutywa Factoids: Dutywa is the birth place of former SA President, Thabo Mbeki who served from 14 June 1999 to 24 September 2008. The spelling of Dutywa was officially changed from “Idutywa” to “Dutywa” on 16 July 2004.
