Stellenbosch FC moved up to second place in the DStv Premiership standings following their 1-0 win over Cape Town City at the DHL Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The game got off to a good tempo with both sides having an early attempt at goal as they went in search of the opening goal.

The Maroons had the chance to get the breakthrough in the 14th minute but Iqraam Rayners could not direct his effort on target.

City had an opportunity of their own five minutes later through Marc van Heerden but the defender blazed his shot wide of the target from outside the box.

Stellies continued to put pressure on City with a number of chances between the 22nd and 24th minute through Anicet Oura and Rayners but they were unable to find the opener.

The visitors eventually took the lead in the 31st minute Devin Titus slotted the ball past Darren Keet after he was played through on goal by Antonio Van Wyk.

The Citizens pressed forward in the closing stages of the first half but could not find the equalising goal as the game went into the break 1-0 in favour of Stellies.

Eric Tinkler made a change at the break as Luyolo Slatsha was brought on in place of Thakgalo Leshabela before bringing on Heaven Sereets and Thabiso Kutumela for Thabo Nodada and Shakeel April in the 65th and 66th minute.

Fawaaz Basadien should have doubled his side’s lead in the 66th minute but saw his effort sail wide of the target after latching on to a ball by Rayners.

City nearly levelled matters in the 71st minute when Van Heerden unleashed a strike from distance but the defender fired his effort just over the target.

Keet came to his side’s rescue five minutes later when he made a diving save to deny Oura’s powerful curling effort at goal.

City pressed forward and had another opportunity in the 83rd minute this time by Rhodes, who headed his effort over the crossbar of a cross from April.

Despite a late surge from City, Stellies held on to their one-goal lead until the final whistle to walk away with all three points and bragging rights in the Cape derby.

Photo by Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix