Wits battle past Supersport

Bidvest Wits moved to the top of the Absa Premiership standings after a gutsy 1-0 league win over SuperSport United.

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Johannesburg - Bidvest Wits moved to the top of the Absa Premiership standings after a gutsy 1-0 league win over SuperSport United at the Bidvest Stadium on Tuesday night.

The 'Clever Boys' had to play the entire second half with 10 men after striker Henrico Botes was given his marching orders shortly before halftime.

However, Jabulani Shongwe's first-half strike would be enough for the home side to secure all three points on the night. This match was always going to be a hard-fought encounter, with neither team giving an inch on the field.

And it was definitely not for the faint-hearted as the referee dished out of a plethora of yellow cards.

There was also a lot of offside play, especially by the home side, who tried to get in behind the deep-lying SuperSport defensive line. Namibian striker Botes had a great chance in the 35th minute of the match after he latched onto Elias Pelembe's corner kick.

SuperSport goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, however, did well to keep the ball out.

Wits would eventually open the scoring five minutes later when Shongwe dribbled into the SuperSport penalty area before drilling the ball home with his right foot.

However, the home side went into the break with only 10 men on the field after Botes was given a second yellow card following a hand in the face of SuperSport defender Clayton Daniels.

But Wits were hardly troubled in the second half, even though SuperSport coach Gordon Igesund put on a lot of attacking players after the break. In fact, it was Wits who had the best chances of the second stanza, with Paty Faty and Phumlani Ntshangase shooting over the crossbar from long range. Wits substitute Joaquim Lupeta also shot wide in the 82nd minute.

SuperSport's best chance came in the 87th minute, but Wits substitute Marcus Lecki managed to clear the ball before Jeremy Brockie could pull the trigger. -ANA