Bidvest Wits returned to winning ways in the Absa Premiership after claiming a narrow 1-0 victory over Maritzburg United at Bidvest Stadium on Friday evening, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Clever Boys came into this encounter at the summit of the Absa Premiership standings, two points ahead of Orlando Pirates in second place.

However, Gavin Hunt’s side have failed to record a win in their last two league encounters after suffering defeats to Free State Stars and Kaizer Chiefs respectively, although they managed to cruise into the Nedbank Cup last 16 after claiming a comfortable win over Boyne Tigers in their round of 32.

Meanwhile, the Team of Choice have failed to register a win in their last 11 league games, with their last league win coming against Bloemfontein Celtic back in September. Maritzburg currently occupy last place on the PSL table.

Both teams looked lively in the opening exchanges of the game as they looked to get on the front foot with a couple of chances from either side, but neither side could find the back of the net.

Deon Hotto had the first chance of the game after nine minutes when he directed his free kick through a sea of bodies only rattle the woodwork.

At the other end, Maritzburg had a chance of their own in the 21st minute when Justice Figuareido forced Wits keeper Darren Keet into making a fine save to deny the United man.

Simon Murray nearly put the ball into his own net in the 35th minute when he tried to flick the ball to safety after a scramble, but the striker guided his clearance towards his own goal, forcing Keet to male a good save to keep the score level.

The home side continued fo dominate proceedings as the game went on, but were unable to break through the United defence, the visitors soaked up the pressure to try and catch Wits out on the counter.

Gabadinho Mhango had the last chance of the first half when he unleashed a strike from distance, but his effort sailed well over the target as they went into the break locked at 0-0.

The Students picked up where they left off in the first half and had a chance to take the lead early in the second half, but Hotto’s effort failed to trouble Richard Ofori as it sailed wide of the target.

Ofori came to his sides rescue in the 54th minute when he rushed off his line to deny Terrence Dzvukamanja, who was through on goal after latching on to a through ball by Murray.

Maritzburg slowly started to gain momentum going forward and nearly had a chance took the lead after 71 minutes, but the offside flag denied them an opportunity one-on-one against Keet.

Cole Alexander should have handed Wits the lead a minute later, but Ofori did well to get behind his effort to make a fairly comfortable save.

The home side eventually broke the deadlock after 79 minutes when Lehlohonolo Majoro got in behind the Maritzburg defence to round Ofori and put the ball into the net after he was played through by Elias Pelembe.

Wits were then awarded a penalty in the 87th minute when Rushine De Reuck handled the ball in the area. Majoro stepped up, but Ofori did well to get down low to keep out his spot-kick.

However, Wits managed to hold on to their one-goal lead over Maritzburg to claim all three point on home soil.