Onward Gangata in Gweru TelOne 1-0 Bikita Minerals TELONE ended their three match winless run with a controversial 1-0 win over Bikita Minerals, in a Castle Lager Premier Soccer League match, at Ascot stadium yesterday. Washington Navaya scored the solitary goal from the penalty spot, deep in added time. This, however, after a lengthy stoppage as Bikita Minerals players protested referee Mhaka Magare’s decision to award the Gweru side the penalty after a foul on the gangly striker inside the box. After the final whistle, irate officials from the Lithium boys mobbed the match officials registering their displeasure to award the penalty. The match officials needed a police escort to leave the pitch. Bikita Minerals coach, Wilson Mtekede had no kind words for the match officials. “I’m not afraid to say this, I’m not naive, I am not a novice in terms of elite football but those, who are supposed to be controlling the game, they seem to be aiding certain teams,”Mtekede said. “This is not right, I know what this means, but I’m speaking from a sense of burden for Zimbabwean football. When we want to be competitive and compete better in the elite league, we deserve better.” The first half was a drab affair with little goal-mouth action and a lot of stray passes. The hosts came close to opening the scoring when Milton Chimedza tried from a distance but his effort was saved by Bikita Minerals goalkeeper, Biggie Temera. On the other hand, the TelOne rearguard looked unsettled, committing needless mistakes. On one such occasion, a mix up between goalkeeper Tapiwa Chilenga and defender Phineas Chigulupate nearly gifted the visitors the lead, only for Tinashe Ruzive to shoot wide in front of an empty net. The Lithium boys returned from the break the better of the two sides, peppering their opponents goal area. TelOne goalkeeper, Tapiwa Chilenga was called into making quick saves, denying Ruzive’s snap shot before repelling Courage Bera’s free kick. There was nothing much thereafter as both teams struggled to assert themselves in the match. The drama came in additional time when Navaya was brought down inside the box, drawing protests from the Lithium boys players. After a near 10 minute wait, the penalty was eventually taken, with Navaya slotting the ball home from 12 yards out. TelOne coach, Hebert Maruwa, was delighted with his side ending the three match winless run. “After three consecutive draws, I am very happy with the response from the boys and progress of the team,” Maruwa said. TelOne: Tapiwa Chilenga,Admire Dzumbunu, Allan Chapinduka,Phineas Chigulupate,Frank Makarati, Tafadzwa Jaravani(B Mtigo 46min), Milton Chimedza(K Nyakudanga 69 min), Blessing Sahondo(N Masilela 56 min), Leeroy Murape(G Bero 56 min),Tawanda Macheke(T Mambudzi 69 min), Washington Navaya. Bikita Minerals: Biggie Temera,Blessing Kagudu,Carlton Munzabwa, Pearson Mukuva, Chelsea Nyakope,Takunda Manyuchi,Courage Bera,Spenser Mugariri(F Banda 84 mins),Innocent Masiwa,Jerry Ruzive(R Kafuramutowa 84 min), Tadiwanashe Murasiranwa.