By McGeorge Mbare
CENTRAL Region Soccer League Division One log leaders Blanket Mine secured a narrow 1-0 victory over debutants Vhembe Stars Academy at Sabiwa Stadium on Wednesday.
Blanket Mine went into the fixture determined to collect maximum points and maintain their lead over second placed Chapungu, while Vhembe Stars Academy were equally determined to cause an upset in their bid to avoid relegation.
Blanket Mine also known as the Barbers struggled to assert their authority early on, as it took them 80 minutes to find the breakthrough and score the only goal of the match.
Both teams went into halftime locked at 0-0 after failing to break the deadlock.
After the restart, the two sides continued to battle it out, with nothing separating them until the 80th minute, when Blanket Mine’s Malvern Nyauyanga finally found the back of the net.
Vhembe Stars Academy struggled to contain Blanket Mine’s pace and attacking movement during the final 20 minutes of the game, with the Barbers controlling possession and dictating the tempo.
The 1-0 victory strengthens Blanket Mine’s position in the league standings as they continue to build momentum heading into the closing stages of the season.
For Vhembe Stars Academy, it was another tough outing as they remain in the relegation zone and face a battle to preserve their division one status.
Elsewhere, FC Platinum U19 hammered Super Strikers 6-2 at Mandava Stadium in a Matchday 29 encounter on Wednesday.
FC Platinum U19 dominated the first half and went into the break with a commanding 5-0 lead.
After the restart, they added another goal, while Super Strikers scored two consolation goals to make the final score 6-2.
The emphatic victory saw FC Platinum U19 move from 27 points to 30 points following an impressive home performance.