United kick off life at revamped stadium with a win 6 February 2010 Maritzburg United striker Fadlu Davids is making a habit of becoming the first player to score at newly built stadiums as he scored the game's only goal when his team beat visitors Lamontville Golden Arrows 1-0 at the recently spruced-up Harry Gwala Stadium on Saturday night.

In December, Davids did likewise when they faced AmaZulu in Moses Mabhida's maiden voyage.

This win for the Team of Choice has given them a realistic chance of finding a Top 8 finish, while Arrows, who suffered their second loss in the space of three days, are in grave danger of missing the cut.

In the tenth minute, against the run of play, Arrows Mzivukile Tom became the first player to unleash a shot at goal in this historic match, but his effort floated over crossbar.

The home side made the most of the running in the first half and should have opened the scoring in the 22nd minute when Rudolf Bester charged down the right flank and fired in a cross into the path of Davids who deflected his shot goal wards. Helton Da Rocha responded by making a reflex save to keep out the danger.

Arrows preferred to soak up the pressure and hit back with sniping counter-attacking raids and, from one such move, midfielder Nhlanhla Zwane lobbed United's keeper Shuaib Walters but the goal-bound effort was cleared in the nick of time by defender Ellias Ngwepe.

Davids spurned an easier chance 10 minutes before the interval. On this occasion, Kurt Leintjies supplied the cross but the striker fired wide with only Da Rocha to beat.

The almost 10 000 home fans broke into celebration near the hour mark when Davids atoned for his earlier misses by tapping Leintjies' cross beyond Da Rocha.

Thokozani Mshengu almost levelled matters two minutes later when he surged past two defenders and unleashed a powerful shot but United keeper Shuaib Walters parried the effort to safety.
Arrows continued to press for an equaliser, but to no avail as United's defence stood firm

 

 

 

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