Bay United received an early Christmas present when they defeated Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-1 in an Absa Premiership match at King Zwelethini Stadium on Saturday.

Bay United received an early Christmas present when they defeated Lamontville Golden Arrows 2-1 in an Absa Premiership match at King Zwelethini Stadium on Saturday.

Abafana Bes'thende dominated the early exchanges of the half but they failed to create any clear-cut chances in front of goal.

Despite their dominance it was United who went ahead in the 30th minute, snatching their only decent opportunity with both hands.

A deep ball from the right was completely missed by the Abafana Bes'thende defence and found its way to Gareth Ncaca arriving late in the box.

Ncaca finished expertly, firing the ball home powerfully into the roof of the net from eight yards out, 1-0.

Arrows responded almost immediately three minutes later when Mshengu found the equaliser in a very similar manner.

Six minutes from the end of time Abafana Bes'thende were made to rue their missed opportunities as Cyril Nzama handed the United fans an early Christmas present.

Ncaca hit a thunderbolt of a free kick from 30 yards out that was headed towards the top corner, Arrows keeper Da Rocha dove high to his left to palm the ball away from goal, but he only succeeded in pushing the ball into the path of Nzama who latched on to the rebound to head his side in front, 2-1. - Arrows website