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Tax Collectors hold Nec by the neck
Coach Alex Isabirye of URA. PHOTO/JOHN BATANUDDE
What you need to know:
The result helped Nec extend their lead at the top to two points but this will feel like two dropped points with Vipers now presented an opportunity to reclaim table leadership when they travel to Bright Stars on Saturday.
Nec's patchy away form in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League continued as they were held to a 1-all draw by URA at Nakivubo Stadium on Thursday evening.
The result helped Nec extend their lead at the top to two points but this will feel like two dropped points with Vipers now presented an opportunity to reclaim table leadership when they travel to Bright Stars on Saturday.
And it was URA who took the lead when midfielder Godfrey Sekibengo scored for the second successive game with a trademark shot from just outside the box for a 24th minute advantage.
The goal was the second shot on target for URA who had earlier forced Nec goalkeeper Hannington Sebwalunyo into a sharp save from Ivan Ahimbisibwe's rising drive.
The goal finally woke Nec up as a clever pass from the outstanding Enock Ssebagala released James Jarieko whose centre was missed by Cromwell Rwothomio.
The ball returned to the box with Muzamir Mutyaba's flick cleared off the line by URA defender Joshua Lubwama.
The game played at a good temple but sometimes lacking in quality saw both teams trade goal scoring opportunities albeit with none having complete control of proceedings.
A Ssekibengo left wing cross was missed by Aliro and Ahimbisibwe for URA while with a minute left to half time, the rejuvenated Paul Mucureezi beat URA goalkeeper Rogers Omedwa to the ball but sent his header from a Mutyaba freekick over the bar.
The second half followed a similar pattern with Aliro wasting a two against one opportunity on the break while a mazy Ssebagala run and Amisi Bwangani cross missed everyone as well as Mucurezi's returning cutback.
Table leaders Nec, finally in the ascendancy finally did get their goal when Rwothomio beat his markers on the right and cut back for the on-rushing Mucureezi to connect home the equaliser on 70 minutes.
The goal was the fourth scored by Mucureezi and second in succession this season after a goal in the 2-1 win over reigning champions Villa.
Nec, however, failed to find a winner despite URA being reduced to 10 men when Hudu Mulikyi stamped a foot on Sebagala's chest after a tangle and Mucureezi shot weakly at Omedwa.
Elsewhere, a Baden Mujahid brace a goal from Godwim Kitagenda handed Maroons a 3-0 away win at Mbarara.
StarTimes Uganda Premier League
Results
URA 1-1 Nec
Mbarara 0-3 Maroons
