Maweja Takers continued to pave their way to the promotional play-offs by beating Mutandani Pull Together 3-1 in their SAB League match at the Lwamondo Baboon grounds on Sunday.

Pull Together started the game like a house on fire. That forced Takers to play the first 20 minutes of the game with their backs against the wall.

A corner kick in the 24th minute resulted in a scramble within the box and Khathutshelo Nekhofhe scored the only goal for Pull Together with a header.

A defender of Pull Together handled the ball within his own penalty area seven minutes later. The referee, Mr Calvin Nemavhola, awarded a penalty to the visitors. Mukandangalwo Ramunana scored from the white spot.

The players of Pull Together were not happy with the referee’s decision to award Takers a penalty. One of them, Mpho Nthangeni, was reprimanded with a card, following a continued argument with the referee.

The home side were reduced to ten men six minutes before the half-time whistle. Mukovhe Maila was given his marching orders for a late tackle on Zwivhuya Tshisaphungo. Maweja Takers replaced Vhulondo Khaume with Khuliso Netshilulu earlier in the last half.

Pull Together sacrificed Thuso Mangenge and Ronald Midana, who gave way to Jeffrey Tshigoba and Ndamulelo Nesindande respectively. Mukandangalwo Ramunana forced his way through the defence of Pull Together and beat the keeper with a volley to bring the score to 2-1 in the 76th minute.

Pull Together continued to play entertaining football despite the setback. They were denied what was arguably a legitimate goal in the 78th minute. Ndamulelo Nesindande’s goal was disallowed on the basis that the scorer was in an offside position. Khumbudzo Muvhango scored the third for Takers from a free kick five minutes before full time. The referee, Mr Calvin Nemavhola, was escorted off the pitch in a car after the game as the angry fans for Pull Together were baying for his blood.