SuperSport top of the PSL pops

Dean Furman scored the decisive goal for SuperSport United against Highlands Park. Photo: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix

Dean Furman scored the decisive goal for SuperSport United against Highlands Park. Photo: Muzi Ntombela, BackpagePix

Published Feb 25, 2017

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JOHANNESBURG – Supersport United moved to the top of the Absa Premiership log as they took their unbeaten league run to 17 matches in outplaying relegation-haunted Highlands Park 1-0 at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa on Saturday evening.

The only goal of the match was scored in the 22nd minute when midfielder Dean Furman left-footed the ball home from a cross by striker Thabo Mnyamane.

This was also Furman’s first goal of the league season, but it came at a crucial time to allow SuperSport to keep up the chase among the front-runners in a bid for the league title.

Stuart Baxter’s team have 35 points in 18 matches, one ahead of second-placed Wits, who lost 2-0 to Mamelodi Sundowns earlier on Saturday and have played one game fewer.

The Highlands defence, which started the match with the worst statistics in the league with 34 goals conceded in 18 matches, put in an improved performance in front of experienced Zimbabwean goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini.

The hosts worked hard for their three points, while United goalkeeper Reyaad Pieterse and his back four of Onismor Bhasera, Michael Boxall, Morgan Gould and Clayton Daniels had much less work to do as they blocked out Highlands attackers Surprise Moiri and Charlton Mashumba.

While Franklin Cale’s experience and dead-ball delivery was key for Highlands, the host battled in vain in the middle of the park as Furman and Reneilwe Letsholonyane played key roles in allowing SuperSport to dominate.

Tempers seemed to get the better of the visitors late in the game, with midfielder Letsholonyane booked for unsporting behaviour and striker Jeremy Brockie cautioned for time-wasting.

Supersport’s next outing will be a home fixture against Ajax Cape Town on Tuesday, March 4, while Highlands Park remain on 14 points, with just two league wins in 19 games.

Since their last league win, over Ajax Cape Town on December 14, the Lions of the North, as coach Gordon Igesund’s men are known, have now endured four losses and two draws in league action.

Highlands’ next league encounter will be a tricky away trip to Bethlehem, where they will face fellow strugglers Free State Stars on Wednesday, March 5.

African News Agency

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