LOCAL DERBY: Boksburg cuts Alberton’s lead to one point
Boksburg’s Premier XI made a big leap in their quest for Premier League glory, when they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against neighbours CBC Old Boys.
The local derby took place at the home of the Blues, the Boksburg City Stadium, on a cold Saturday afternoon, June 6.
Boksburg, who had a rare slow start to the match, were pinned in their own half for most of the first half, as Old Boys enjoyed the lion’s share of the ball possession, with some neat passing and clever runs off the ball.
The Blues, who were struggling to hold onto the ball and put together attacks, were on the backfoot as Old Boys continued to knock on their door.
Old Boys’ pressure finally paid off as the game’s first big goal-scoring opportunity arrived, in form of an Old Boys penalty, following a foul on Jason Hill.
Gareth Miller stepped up to face Boksburg goalkeeper Chad Lubbe, and the latter came out tops to keep his side in the game with a solid save.
The visitors were made to pay for the missed opportunity when Boksburg’s Bruce Pollen netted the day’s decider late in the first-half.
“We had the lion’s share of the game and kept them in their own half; they caught us sleeping on the counter-attack and we just didn’t take our chances, which was disappointing, especially the two that hit the side post and missing the penalty,” said Old Boys’ coach Glenn Brierley.
The win moved Boksburg to within one point of log leaders Alberton, going into the second round of the league. The defending champions now sit on 23 points after 11 games, with Boksburg on 22.
“A big win for us, not just in points but mentally, too, the lads really needed that,” said Brierley’s opposite, Garth Cooley.
“I felt we could have done better but, then again, if it wasn’t for Man of the Match Chad (Lubbe), it could have been worse. I’m just pleased we got three points at the end of the day.” – @SabeloBoksburg
