James Keene’s solitary strike in the first-half was enough to hand defending PSL champions Bidvest Wits a 1-0 victory against Bloemfontein Celtic on Friday evening, writes MARSHALL GOUTS.

The game got off to a lively start with both sides intent on attacking one another in the opening exchanges. Patrick Tignyemb pulled off the first save of the game when he kept out Lehlohonolo Majoro’s goalbound header.

Majoro was at it again three minutes later when he got onto the end of Vincent Pule’s ball into the area, but he steered his effort wide of the mark.

Wits took the lead in the 31st minute after Mpho Maruping was sent off for a deliberate hand ball in the area. Keene duly slotted the resultant penalty away.

Celtic failed to mount any pressure on Wits for the remainder of the first-half as the hosts went into the half-time break with a one-goal lead.

The visitors made their intentions known with a double attacking substitution as Menzi Masuku and Ndumiso Mabena was brought on for Abel Mabaso and Given Mashikinya.

Wits, responded with three substitutions in quick succession as James Keene, Sifiso Myeni and Pule made way for Thabang Monare, Pelembe and Daine Klate respectively.

Majoro should have sealed the game when Daylon Claasen threaded an excellent ball through to him in the 71st minute, but the striker could not get his shot away in time.

Darren Keet produced a sublime save in the dying moments of the game to keep out Deon Hotto’s strike to ensure his side recorded maximum points.

Photo: Backpagepix

-This story originally appeared on SportsClub.co.za