Township Rollers' direct football and a high fitness level has yielded positive results for the be MOBILE Premier League leaders.

Since the start of the season, the Gaborone giants have provided less entertainment but have managed to grind results, the most important thing in a title chase. On Sunday, a functional but unimpressive Rollers dispatched BDF XI 2-1 at the Molepolole Sports Complex to strengthen their lead at the top. Rollers restored their five-point lead at the top after Extension Gunners reduced it to two points by beating defending champions, Gaborone United on Saturday.

It is clear this season that coach Rahman Gumbo's strategy is to get the ball to the opponents' area as soon as possible. This means very few touches before the ball is delivered to the strikers. But there were moments in the game against BDF especially in the second half when Rollers were found wanting. This was evident when Stanley Mwaanga's troops started knocking the ball around.

Rollers were clearly frustrated the approach killed their high-speed rhythm.

Mapalastina made their intentions clear right from the start frequenting BDF XI area with an array of long passes. The first 15 minutes proved testing for BDF XI as Rollers mounted pressure but failed to hit the target as the army side defended in numbers.

Edwin Moalosi of Rollers showed very little of his usual magic only finding the side netting in the first half. Rollers got the opener 10 minutes from the break when Oscar Ncenga connected with Amos Godirwang's cross.

Three minutes into the second half, Peter Ngwenya's classical volley brought BDF XI level. Mandaza nodded the winner in the 78th minute and remains the top striker this season with 10 goals.

While Rollers have strengthened their title challenge, BDF XI's chances continued to fade. It was Matebele's second loss in a week following their defeat to GU.