Luso Africa Sports Grounds again hosted Germiston Rays FC in their SAB Castle League fixture against Boksburg’s Bolivia FC on Saturday.
The spectators experienced great football as both teams showcased first class football.
Germiston Rays are currently fighting relegation and their previous game, against Sun United, saw them lose three points.
“That loss I attribute to us conceding goals, and more so on our attack-on-attack formation for the game, however, we went back to the drawing board and the boys played much better,” said Germiston Rays coach Nhlanhla Dube.
The Rays showed that they are fighting relegation as they went straight into the game and left no room for analyses.
Bolivia seemed to analyse Germiston’s style of play, which was evident in their touch-and-go approach in the first few minutes after kick-off.
The touch-and-go was a disadvantage for the Boksburg team, because the Rays had ball possession and put more pressure on them with their fast pace.
The pressure was not handled well by Bolivia, because it resulted in them playing more aggressively and pocketing a number of fouls.
A penalty was awarded to the Rays as a result of Bolivia’s aggressive play, and it was a penalty well used by Germiston’s local team.
The penalty goal rattled Bolivia even more, and their opponents played more confidently.
What the local team failed to do was to put out a stronger defence line after their goal, as Bolivia bagged a fine goal just before the half-time whistle.
“I think the boys were a bit excited about the goal, which is why we went into half-time with a draw,” said Nhlanhla.
Both teams put their best feet forward, with the aim of pocketing more goals, to secure a lead and a win.
Ball possession moved from Germiston’s control to an equal 50 per cent.
At this point shots at target increased, with a few more close calls.
As the spectators were enjoying more dribbling action, Germiston Rays landed one long shot goal.
The goal motivated the Rays and, with the lesson learnt from the first half, they put out a robust defence line.
The local team didn’t neglect attack, because, even with more attention to defence, they managed to extend their lead with another goal, securing a stronger lead.
With a two-goal lead, the Rays managed to hold out to the last minute of the game.
The scoreboard was at 3-1 in favour of Germiston Rays.
“Going back to the drawing board worked out well for us, as we managed to pocket three points,” added Dube.
“We are still fighting relegation, and I think if we manage to get six more points we will be out of the relegation scare.”
