Express pull plug on Villa title hopes

Friday Results

Express 1-0 SC Villa

Kirinya Jinja SS 1-0 Police

The Saints 2-1 JMC Hippos

Soana 3-2 Proline

Express ended a four year winless streak against rivals SC Villa with a slim 1-0 win at Mutesa II stadium, Wankulukuku on Wasswa Bbosa maiden return.

Midfielder Allan Kyambadde scored the game’s only goal in the 62^nd minute after Simon Sserunkuma turned left back John Adriko inside out but was fortunate his ball reached destination.

Kyambadde chest controlled the ball before slotting home for Express’ first win over SC Villa since the 2013/14 season.

The visitors were the better side for most parts of the game and created several chances but poor finishing and good goalkeeping by Emmanuel Opio denied them chance to re-open a four point gap at the summit.

Villa, however, stay top with 47 points, one better than KCCA, who have three games in hand.

The Red Eagles, now on 36 points stay sixth on similar points with Vipers who have a better goal difference.

At Kakindu, suspect refereeing was the order of the day as Kirinya Jinja SS beat visitors Police FC 1-0 to move out of relegation for the first time this season.

Bashir Mutanda, on loan from Vipers converted from the spot in the 74^th after Martin Mpuuga was adjudged to have handled the ball in the area by referee Robert Donney.

The Cops defender was later sent off for protesting the decision and the visitors also had a goal disallowed in the game.

The win lifts the Students to 13^th on the log with 23 points from 22 games, same as Lweza but they have a better goal difference while Police drop to 12^th with two points more.

Elsewhere, The Saints needed a 90^th minute winner from veteran Godfrey Wakaza to win 2-1 against JMC Hippos at Matugga to enrich their chances of surviving relegation.

Julius Malingumu put the hosts in the lead a minute after the break but Gerald Hamya replied four minutes later until Wakaza struck to separate the two sides.

The Hippos remain bottom of the standings with 10 points while The Saints are now 10^th with 27 points.

Elsewhere, Nelson Ssenkatuka scored twice for Proline at Kavumba but his goals turned consolation as Soana won 3-2 in another controversially handled match.

Allan Kayiwa, Francis Olaki and Abdallah Nyanzi scored for the hosts who now move to 7^th with 33 points while Proline stay 8^th with 3 points less.