By Jimmie Kairu


Stephen Ochieng and Chrispine Olando scored during the 62nd and 89th minute respectively as Thika United cruised to a comfortable 2-0 win over Gor Mahia FC at Thika Municipal Stadium.


The visitors had already survived one lucky escape from Ochieng when his shot was punched out by Jacktone Odhiambo, who was adequately having a rough time at his box and could not hide his frustrations.


The anticipated goal came in when veteran striker Joseph Mwangi dribbled the ball past two defenders and passed it into the box where it missed James Omondi his target and Ochieng was there to make things right..


When that did not seem right United wanted to really punish Gor Mahia and during the 89th minute Joseph Mwangi yet again passed the ball to Olando and after him beating Julius Owino he shot the ball from long range and the midfielder's shot seemed to be heading into the net until Jacktone got his hands to it, but it still hit the net.


The goal scored by Olando ensured that the visiting team had no intensions of an equalizer and when the match official raised his board up to show that it was only two minutes remaining, Thika United then started ton play a one two game.


During the 91st minute, George Maina saved the day when Substitute Dennis Nderitu was had beaten Okello but Maina Cleared the ball so well and so composed ensuring that the visiting team was left barren.


The game started with quite some drama, where Gor Mahia supporters marked their territory refusing any united supporter to cross it but what really happened in the pitch silenced the vocal club.


During the second minute Habel Otieno and Stephen Biko missed the only opportunity in putting their team first place as they were seriously frustrated by David Okello.


From the third minute United started terrorizing the visitors, as they looked for an early lead. The opener could have come from Joseph Mwangi’s swift header but Jacktone punched it out.


Pressure was the code of the game and as Coach Abdalla Juma always says, strength, speed and endurance was what everyone in the team was applying.


A counter attack from Stephen Otieno from the Gor Mahia side was punched out by Okello during the 20th minute.


Michael Katumo’s shot which left the whole crowd extremely excited was caught by Jacktone and that made the whole stadium hysterical.


The visitor’s side was worn out and out played by the home team who made sure that all they were looking for was found and retained.


Vincent Nyamberi and Russell Kibet were effectively clearing the balls and with the assist of Michael Katumo and George Maina the Gor strikers had a rough time while Okello the host’s keeper had a smooth time.


International Ivan Maimba was the Thika United Captain of the day and with his well equipped skills he delivered on time and also played a great role as a leader.


During the 88th minute Mamba’s header was punched out by Jacktone, while James Omondi was fully marked for the visitors knew him and knows that he is bad news.


There was a series of yellow cards; Stephen Ochieng was booked for fouling Stephen Otieno, while Stephen Otieno was also carded for obstruction in the 13th minute.


Francis Chege who nearly contributed to goal had substituted Paul Anunda who was a terrorist in the visitor’s camp. His efforts moved many and the way he delivered his balls was beyond words.


The game was packed to the brim with hundreds of Uniteds supporters, fans from Brookside were there too to cheer their great team, and with a fair referee like James Otieno blowing his whistle at final time the home team knew that this time they had proved to Gor Mahia who the real Champs are after Gor beating them one nil last time at Nyayo stadium.


....EndS....