PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - Just after the festive season break Oriented Birds resumed their league fixtures with a tough 2-1 loss to Grassy Park United in their own backyard on Saturday afternoon, 20 January at Kwanokuthula Stadium.
Alister Charles and Ryan Serfontein netted the two crucial goals for the visiting team while Bandile Ntukantu scored the solitary goal for Oriented Birds.
The WC ABC Motsepe League match got off to a great start with both teams trying to play the ball down the ground in search of the first goal of the game.
Grassy Park launched their strong attack on the left wing using the pace of Ryan Serfontein, but their dangerous play was well defended by Oriented Birds defenders.
Siyanda Madlala of Oriented Birds drove in a powerful shot from just out side the box, but his strike was save by Grassy Park goalkeeper Lance Niewenhuis.
The first 45 minutes of the game ended goalless draw as both sides failed to convert clear cut chances in the first half.
Entertaining second half
The second half of the game saw both teams looking very sharp on the ball with the Cape Town side deploying marvelous touches with the ball grinding for the first goal.
Alister Charles of Grassy Park United scored the opening goal of the game to make it 1-0 after the excellent touch from the left side of the field.
The home side, Oriented Birds, were chasing the game hunting for their equalising goal. Grassy Park United players were pushing for the second goal attacking on the right flank. The Birds players showcased wonderful play from the midfield.
Bandile Ntukantu converted the equalising goal to make it 1-1 after his long range strike from just outside the box beat the Grassy Park keeper.
The visiting side retalliated with positive play, but their shot went wide missing the target.
Oriented Birds defenders failed to to defend and protect their goalkeeper in their half. Ryan Serfontein was enjoying the game and he scored the second goal to make it 2-1 in Grassy Park's favour. Oriented Birds received a set piece, from which they failed to score.
Siyabonga Sodumo of Oriented Birds missed his golden opportunity inside the box. The Western Cape ABC Motsepe league fixture ended 2-1 with Grassy Park United collecting maximum points away from home.
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