Hanover Park and Spurs play to a draw in Athlone derby

Lonwabo Marele|Published 3 years ago

Hanover Park Football Club’s assistant coach, Roscoe Mazriel, middle, during a half-time strategic talk with the boys, next to head coach, Andrew Pequeno. Hanover Park played to a 2-2 draw against Cape Town City on Sunday. Picture by Lonwabo Marele.

Hanover Park Football Club and Silver Spurs Football Club have all to play for as they chase the top honours spot in the Safa Cape Town men’s third division football league.

The Athlone-based sides played to a thrilling 1-1 derby draw at the Hickory Road sports ground on Saturday.

With eight games left in the league, log leaders Trinitarians are at the top with 17 points, followed closely by Silver Spurs with 16 points, and Hanover Park in third place with 15 points.

Hanover Park’s head coach, Andrew Pequeno, said the results could have gone either way as both teams showed hunger and confidence.

“It was typical of a derby with end-to-end stuff. Both teams were going for three points. We took the lead in the first half from a scrappy corner... Silver Spurs came back and we conceded a goal a few minutes later. Both teams were going head to head at each other. We were happy to get a point,” said Pequeno.

Silver Spurs head coach, Victor Tajoodien said Hanover Park dominated the first half, however, his team came out guns blazing in the second half.

“It was a fantastic game to watch. Hanover Park started the game well and went into a lead 1-0 before we equalised a few minutes later. We dominated thereafter but missed a lot of crucial chances,” said Tajoodien.

He said they have a good enough squad to win the league and “will definitely give it a go”.

Silver Spurs will head into the weekend with a double-header against Vasco Da Gama, at Hickory Road sports ground, on Saturday, at 2pm, followed by a nail-biter against Cape Town City, at 3pm, at Malta Park, on Sunday.

While the two Athlone-based teams played to a 1-1 draw on Saturday, Hanover Park also played to a 2-2 draw against a youthful Cape Town City side, at Malta Park, in Observatory, on Sunday.

Coach Pequeno said his young squad played attractive football as a result of good fitness and conditioning training, in the pre-season, by coach Anwar Gallant.

“Sunday was a much better game of football. Both teams were trying to be on the front foot. They started off better in the first half and we made some tactical changes that shifted the game in the second half,” he said.

Pequeno said Hanover Park’s first five games in the league were away. And, they are excited to play a double header at home this coming weekend.

Hanover Park hosts Cape Umoya, at the Downberg Road sports field, at 3pm, on Saturday, followed by another Athlone derby against Jamestown United, at 3pm, on Sunday.

Cape Town City dominated the first half, but whatever Hanover Park’s coach said at half-time, it changed the way they played. They showed heart and confidence. Picture by Lonwabo Marele.

A shout for handball from the crowd, but the ball was well saved by Cape Town City’s goalkeeper. Picture by Lonwabo Marele.

Hanover Park midfielder, Roderick Francis holds of his Cape Town City opponent during their 2-2 draw. Picture by Lonwabo Marele.

Brent Adonis and Rabain Beukes tussle in the air for the ball during their 1-1 draw at Hickory Road on Saturday. Picture by Lonwabo Marele.

Hanover Park’s Roderick Francis with possession during their 1-1 draw against Silver Spurs in an Athlone derby. Hanover Park are third and Silver Spurs are second to Trinitarians in the Safa Cape Town men’s third division. Picture by Lonwabo Marele.

Brent Adonis and captain Fernel Abrahams discuss their next freekick spot during their 1-1 draw against Silver Spurs. Picture by Lonwabo Marele.

Hanover Park ace midfielder, Brent Adonis on the ball against Silver Spurs captain, Rabain Beukes, during their 1-1 draw in the Safa Cape Town men’s third division league, at Hickory Road sports ground, on Saturday. Picture by Lonwabo Marele.