27 Oct 2015

Township Rollers  stamped their authority in the beMOBILE Premiership when they forced a 3-2 victory against  Mochudi Centre Chiefs on Sunday (October 25). The win means Popa is still perched at the top of the log with 30 points after playing 12 games, winning nine and drewing three.

Rollers made their intention of winning the encounter clear as early as the seventh minute after Segolame Boy received a cross from Galabgwe Moyana, but he was unlucky as his attempt went wide.

Although the game was played under high temperature, that did not stop both teams from launching attack.

Centre Chiefs were the first to draw blood in the 35^th minute through Lemponye Tshiretso after Pontsho Moloi delivered a perfect pass.

Magosi celebrations were short lived as “The Wonder  Boy,” as Segolame is called by  Rollers supporters  unleashed a cracker to equalise for his side.

The game went into recess with both teams tied 1-1. After the break Rollers came back more determined and enjoyed more ball possession, but they were not lucky as most of their attempts went wide.

In the 55^th minute Rollers were awarded a corner which was well taken by Tshepo Motlhabankwe. Kaone Vanderwesthuizen headed it straight into the net to put Mapalastina in the driving seat with 2-1. 

Magosi tried to retaliate, but the blue  machine was not in a compromising mood to give them space to maneuver. Rollers defenders, Mogogi Gabonamong, Vanderwesthuizen,Simisani Mathumo and Motlhabankwe protected Kabelo Dambe well on the day.

Rollers kept on piling pressure and in one of their attacks, Carl Finnigan initiated an assault  by  passing a good ball to Boy, who connected with Joel Mogorosi. The speedy striker found Motlhabankwe with a good pass as he was overlapping in the right flank. 

His teasing cross was unfortunately headed into the net by Lesego Galenamotlhale to make it 3-1 for Rollers.

Magosi managed to reduce the deficit in the referees optional time  after Rollers defenders were caught napping, and Mara Moloi reduced the deficit to make it 3-2.

In a post-match interview Chiefs gaffer, Mike Sithole said his side played well in the first stanza, adding that he was disappointed by his defence.

“My defence failed to win all the 50-50 balls and Finnigan was their tormentor because he was winning all the aerial balls, he is the one who destroyed us,” he said.

Mark Harrison said the first half was tough for his side because his players gave their opponents  a lot of room and too much respect, hence Chiefs enjoyed ball possession.

 

He said Finnigan managed to terrorise the Chiefs back four, adding that despite failing to score, his contribution was significant in the victory. Ends