UK Football

Martin strike gives United win over Pirates in Durban

20:35 BST, Tue 22 Jul 2008
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Manchester United fans hold placards during the Vodacom challenge soccer match against South Africa's Orlando Pirates in Durban July 22, 2008. REUTERS/Siphiwe Sibeko (SOUTH AFRICA)

CAPE TOWN, July 22 (Reuters) - Manchester United midfielder Lee Martin's first-half strike gave the European champions a 1-0 victory over Orlando Pirates in a friendly match in Durban on Tuesday.

The Premier League holders, who beat the Pirates 4-0 in the same pre-season exhibition tournament two years ago, enjoyed the best of the first half and opened the scoring after 23 minutes.

Striker Frazier Campbell flicked on Wes Brown's header to allow Martin to burst onto the ball and beat goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa.

Despite the introduction of United regulars Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney, the home side found their shape in the second half, occasionally testing Ben Foster's goal.

The visitors absorbed the pressure to claim their first win in the tournament, having drawn 1-1 draw with Kaizer Chiefs in Cape Town last week. They face the winner of the Soweto derby -- between the Chiefs and Pirates -- on July 26 in Pretoria.

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