SC Villa found solace after registering a narrow 1-0 victory against Arua Hill SC in the StarTimes Uganda Premier League at Barifa Stadium on Saturday.

Charles Bbaale’s second half effort from the spot was all the Jogoo needed to return to winning ways.

In the 15th minute, the home side nearly took the lead through Rashid Toha but his header off Gaddafi Wahab’s delivery went wide.

On the other hand, Umar Lutalo’s volley off a rebound also missed the target by inches after Bright Vuni’s poor clearance at half an hour mark.

In the second half, Villa returned a better side searching for an edge in the cagey game.

Two minutes into the second stanza, Richard Matovu handled the ball in the forbidden areas to deny Sheif Batte’s effort which was on target.

Matovu was sent off as Bbaale stepped up and converted from the spot to put the visitors ahead.

With a man less, the hosts greatly improved and took command of the game but were not clinical in front of goal.

Arua Hill nearly levelled matters in the last minute of the game but Bright Vuni’s effort went above the frame.

The victory takes Villa to the fourth position with 14 points while Arua Hill is seventh with 10 points on a 15-teamed log.

In the next games, Arua Hill will visit Gaddafi on Wednesday while SC Villa will host KCCA FC on Friday, November 26.

How they lined up

Arua Hill SC XI: Richard Anyama (Gk), Isaac Okello, Richard Matovu, Rashid Toha, Bright Vuni, Ivan Eyamu, Steven Kabuye, Rashid Kawawa, Gadafi Wahab, Jacob Kamwesigwa, Samuel Sekamatte

Substitutes: Rogers Omedwa (Gk), Isaac Ogwang, Paul Musamali, Denis Andama, Rashid Muhammad, Allan Mugalu, Gadafi Kacancu

SC Villa XI: Meddie Kibirige (Gk), Tabu Oryem, Hassan Musana, Gift Fred, Kenneth Semakula, Davis Ssekajja, Charles Bbaale, Ivan Sserubiri, Sheif Batte, Umar Lutalo, Patrick Kakande

Substitutes: Aslamu Muhindo (Gk), Joseph Kafumbe, Pistis Barenge, Frank Kalule, Mohammedi Nsereko, Malik Bironse, Najib Tusaba