The Stream A log leaders, United Artists, consolidated their position on the log by beating SMSA FC 2-1 in their MMK Administrators Soccer League match at the Makhuvha Stadium on Saturday.
The game was played under protest. Both sides lodged protests with the referee before the start of the game. The protests were relating to allegations of improperly registered players.
The game was lukewarm in the first 15 minutes as the teams took their time studying each other's weak and strong points. Realizing that there was nothing to fear, Artists took the game to the home side soon afterwards. Ntsako Mchavi of SMSA was the first player to go into the referee's book. He tackled Robert Baloyi dangerously in the seventh minute.
United Artists were awarded a penalty in the 26th minute. This after a defender handled the ball within the box. The former Tshakhuma Tsha Madzivhandila right back, Lavhelesani Mukomafhedzi, beat the keeper with a ground cutter from the white spot.
SMSA replaced Rabelani Rambuwani, who looked weary from the onset, with Phumudzo Bulala. Artists' left back, Mulisa Luvhengo, was reprimanded with a card for a late tackle on Reagan Maluleke.
The home side found the equalizer nine minutes towards the end of the first half. Xikombiso Machevele was on target with a half volley, following Caesman Chauke's square pass.
Emmanuel Neswiswi of Artists was booked for obstructing Gift Sambu four minutes into the last half. Artists took the lead in the 65th minute. Neswiswi beat the offside trap before sending the keeper the wrong way. Neswiswi pulled off his T-shirt to celebrate his goal. Although that was a bookable offence, Neswiswi was given his marching orders for that since he had been warned with a yellow card earlier.
United Artists soldiered on with 10 men until the referee blew the final whistle.