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EYES ON THE BALL . . . Starbill midfielder Tapiwa Mangezi (left) tussles for possession with Chegutu Pirates’ Tatenda Machisa during yesterday’s league match at Rufaro

Ellina Mhlanga Sports Reporter
Starbill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (2) 2
Chegutu Pirates . . . . . . . . . . . . (0)1
STARBILL yesterday turned on a spirited performance to win their second consecutive match in as many weeks in a World Navi Northern Region Division One soccer league tie at Rufaro.

Both goals came in the first half with Starbill’s captain Takesure Chiragwi pushing his team into the lead when he found the target in the 25th minute.
Chiragwi had received a cross from midfielder Tapiwa Mangezi who had a good day in the office.

Four minutes later Silas Chihota made it two for the home team when he took advantage of the congestion inside the box and beat Chegutu Pirates goalkeeper, Mutsa Madamombe, from close range.

Pirates’ consolation goal came from substitute Tatenda Machisa two minutes into injury time.
Starbill assistant coach, Prince Kadewere, hailed his troops.

“I think the guys played according to instructions, they were fighting as a team. It’s all about the heart and the brain, so I am happy they are working as a team.
“But the second half they were a bit slack in terms of marking but otherwise they showed a good spirit that’s why we managed to collect three points,” said Kadewere.
Pirates coach, Gipter Raiva, said they needed to go back to the drawing board.

“We played very well but we had no luck today especially when we conceded those two early goals. So the better team of the day won.
“We need to work on the defending part. The strikers played well, it wasn’t our day today,” said Raiva.

In other matches played on Saturday log leaders Bindura United maintained their pole position when they beat Blue Swallows 1-0 at Chipadze.
Results:

Gunners 3, Karoi 0; Royal Classic 0, ZRP Morris 2; Seven Flames 0, Flame Lilly 0; Twalumba 0, Mushowani 1; Bindura 1, Blue Swallows 0; Ngezi Platinum 1, Dstv Rangers 0; DC Academy 1, Commando 1; Black Mambas 3, Lake Harvest 1.