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Abubaker Lawal's second-minute goal was all the Venoms needed on the evening to grind out maximum points on enemy territory.
In a character-filled display, Vipers SC edged a hugely contested Uganda Premier League encounter with Arua Hill SC at the Barifa Stadium on Tuesday.
Abubaker Lawal's second-minute goal was all the Venoms needed on the evening to grind out maximum points on enemy territory.
Alex Isabirye's charges have now made good ground on the 15-team table, as in third, they made 39 points in 20 games. However, they are now four points adrift of leader SC Villa, who have played three games more.
In the evening, the hosts nearly grabbed the equalizer in the 26th minute, but custodian Fabien Mutombora pushed wide a Rashid Toha header after a superb Allan Mugalu freekick.
The guests then had a goal contentiously ruled out after Lawal had beaten Rodgers Omedwa in the 40th minute.
At the stroke of halftime, the Venoms almost had a second, but Karim Ndugwa headed inches wide a great Garcia Mpongo cross.
In the 48th minute, Milton Karisa had his well-taken shot denied by Omedwa with an excellent save.
In the 70th minute, Arua Hill missed a glorious opportunity as Isaac Ogwang's bicycle kick met an equally brilliant save from Mutombora.
It should have been two for Vipers at the death, but Karisa's shot only rattled the crossbar.
It, however, didn't impact the evening's result. Vipers will return with a Saturday blockbuster against Villa at the Muteesa II Stadium, Wankulukuku.
Arua Hill, who stayed fifth with 33 points after 22 matches, will be away against nemesis Onduparaka FC on Friday.
How both teams lined up
Arua Hill: Rogers Omedwa (GK), Rashid Toha (c), Richard Matovu, Isaac Okello, Paul Musamali, Gibson Adinho, Ibrahim Faizul, Allan Mugalu, Ivan Eyamu, Isaac Ogwang, Innocent Media.
Substitutions: Jimmy Kanakulya, Reagan Mpande, Gaddafi Kacancu, Gadafi Wahab, Denis Andama, Dickson Niwamanya, Innocent Maduka.
Vipers: Fabien Mutombora (GK), Livingstone Mulondo, Siraje Ssentamu, Ashraf Mandela, Hilary Mukundane, Isa Mubiru, Disan Ggaliwango, Garcia Mpongo, Abubakar Lawal, Milton Karisa (c), Karim Ndugwa.
Substitutions: Denis Kiggundu, Cromwel Rwothomio, Najib Yiga, Rogers Torach, Karim Watambala, Frank 'Zaga' Tumwesigye, Ibrahim Orit.
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