Royal AM claimed the bragging rights in the KwaZulu-Natal derby after securing a 3-1 victory over Golden Arrows at the Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday evening.
The win saw Royal end their four-match winless run in all competition, while Arrows stretched their poor form to four games.
Royal showed intent from the kickoff as they troubled the Arrows’ defence several times, with home side’s real first chance of the game coming in the 3rd minute as an attempt went wide of the near post.
It didn’t take long before Royal took the lead as Lesvin Stoffels found the near post from a free kick.
In search of a quick reply, Arrows pushed up the field, but Knox Mutizwa was closed down by the Royal defence in the 10th minute.
ARROWS ON THE BACKFOOT
A few moments later, Mutizwa was in the thick of things again as he crossed from the near post, but VelemseniNdwandwe headed effort went wide.
Arrows kept pushing for an equaliser, with Pule Mmodi also getting into action, b, ut his attempt was depleted.
It was end to end as both sides created goal-scoring opportunities, with Mutizwa again putting his effort over the bar in the 27th minute.
Five minutes later, Sbonelo Cele scored the equaliser for Arrows following a fantastic passage of play as he intercepted to start the movement and finished off in front of the goal.
The goal seemingly gave Arrows some confidence and took the wind out of the Royal Am sails as the visitors started to link up better in the park,
However, Royal netted to restore their lead through experienced striker Ruzaigh Gamildien two minutes before the halftime break.
Arrows came out from the break with determination as they had some positive play with Ndwandwe afforded an opportunity from the near post, but he found the side netting in the 47th minute.
The game’s tempo has picked up as Arrows applied pressure on the Royal defence, with Ndwandwe once again failing to hit the target around the 60th minute.
Arrows pressure saw them get awarded a penalty in the 76th minute as there was a hand.
But Nduduzo Sibiya’s penalty effort was saved by the Royal goalie.
That didn’t stop Arrows from attacking, but the Royal defence was solid. However, a quick counterplay saw Royal make it 3-1 in the 88th minute via Motebang Sera’s goal, which sealed all three points for the hosts.
Royal moved up to seventh place on the log, while Arrows are in 10th spot after 12 games.
