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Missed opportunities cost Maritzburg

Durban - Once again Maritzburg United missed several scoring opportunities as SuperSport United came from a goal down to win their Absa Premiership clash 2-1 at the Harry Gwala Stadium on Friday night. 

Ernst Middendorp’s side had some good first half chances, but only went into the tunnel 1-0 up and it was not enough.

Evans Rusike put Maritzburg ahead in the opening half before Bradley Grobler and Jeremy Brockie replied with second half goals for the visitors.

Home side Maritzburg started brightly and nearly took a fifth minute lead when Sheldon Van Wyk crossed from the left wing to find Kurt Lentjies, but his attempt was cleared off the line by Clayton Daniels.

Just six minutes later, the home side almost got into the lead when Zimbabwe striker Evans Rusike’s shot flew straight at Ronwen Williams when a cross to a teammate may have been a better option for him.

Then came the best chance of the opening stages of the clash. In the 17th minute, Rusike broke away into space and passed to Van Wyk who was in a great position right in front of goal, but somehow he mis-timed his shot and scuffed his shot straight to Williams who made the save.

With Maritzburg coach Ernst Middendorp looking stressed on the touchline after the early scoring chances, SuperSport then had two headed chances that both went wide of goal.

But the home team soon replied with the goal their fans had been screaming for at a well-supported Harry Gwala Stadium. Evans Rusike broke found space on the right side of the big box and his cross-goal shot found the far corner with Williams getting fingertips to the ball.

Early in the second half Jeremy Brockie’s floated set piece found Bradley Grobler, but his header flew wide of the far post.

Then on 58 minutes, Grobler showed good composure and fired in a left footed shot from close range after good work by Michael Morton to supply him.

Then came the sucker punch, just two minutes later, thanks to a fantastic Jeremy Brockie goal. The Kiwi striker buried a first time volley from Grant Kekana’s left wing cross.

To the dismay of the home fans, Maritzburg missed a chance to draw level after 81 minutes when Mohau Mokate’s header from close range went straight into the hands of Williams.

The SuperSport goalkeeper made a good save in the 90th minute to keep out a curling free kick attempt by Thamsanqa Mkhize.

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