Sponsorship news: Greyton Roses grind out gritty draw with Arsenal FC
The Sports News Blitz-sponsored Greyton Roses picked up a valuable point in a gritty goalless draw with Arsenal FC at the Caledon Sports Complex.
A win was always the target against a team with four losses from four games but Roses were always weaker in attack for the absence of in-form striker Fabian Steyn and suspended attacking midfielder Thabiso Mangana.
While neither side was able to find a goal, it was nevertheless a well-earned clean sheet for the away team as marquee signing goalkeeper Masizakhe Myataza made his debut.
The 28-year-old former Santos, Chippa United, TS Galaxy and Polokwane City shot-stopper joined the Roses on a short-term deal this week.
He was excellent in goal and the starting point for a number of attacks through his pinpoint distribution.
One such foray forward was a promising break started by Myataza on 12 minutes with a driven volley out to Lusanda Gobile.
The wide player was able to play a one-two with striker Yanic Delport before firing in on target, only to see Arsenal keeper Lesego Qhu make a strong save at his near post.
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Defensive midfielder Desmond Madondolo fired wide from range with 25 minutes on the clock, as Myataza was well placed to palm down a 37th-minute free-kick from Arsenal midfielder Peelo Tloti that was ultimately cleared by Man of the Match Talent Ncube.
With the half winding down, Mayataza then found Kiaan Louw with a superb driven pass, and after controlling well, the right-midfielder played in overlapping full-back Siphosethu Peter, but his ball into the box was well cleared by towering centre-back Tebogo Pekite.
Half-time saw a double Roses change as Sherwin Latier came on for Louw on the right-flank as James Villet replaced Delport up front.
The substitutions certainly had an impact as Roses upped the tempo after the break in search of an opener.
Villet enjoyed some good touches on the ball as he looked to find a way through a resolute Arsenal defence, that ultimately wouldn't be breached, with Gobile closest to a winner late on with another shot from out wide, that flew just wide of the target.
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The result left the Roses ninth on the league standings with four points from six games and Arsenal bottom with one point.
Next up is a home clash against sixth-placed Gansbaai City, who have 10 points from their opening six matches.
Greyton Roses are an amateur team playing in the Overberg Region of the Western Cape, South Africa, and are sponsored by Sports News Blitz.
To help sponsor the team, please get in touch with the club through their Facebook page or contact them at greytonroses@gmail.com.
