Gritty Richards Bay FC secure superb win
NRB captain Xolani Ngcobo in the sticks guessed the wrong way and was easily beaten (1-1)
DESPITE playing for three quarters of the game with only 10 men after defender Howard Davids was controversially shown red, Richards Bay FC fought like demons to defeat visitors TTM FC 3-1 at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The home side had started with flair and finesse and were on the scoreboard after just three minutes when Michael Gumede latched onto a mistake and smacked his laces through the ball with a fierce shot that left TTM keeper Bongani Manavhela helpless (1-0).
However, it was even terms after 10 minutes when the ball struck a defender at point blank range and the referee, who would not have won a popularity contest after a number of debatable decisions, deemed it to be a penalty.
NRB captain Xolani Ngcobo in the sticks guessed the wrong way and was easily beaten (1-1).
Davids received his marching orders soon after that and this in fact ultimately helped the Boyz as he was replaced by Njabula Ngcobo to shore up the defence, with Stanley Muishond being sacrificed .
Njabula and Sandile Mthethwa settled the back four and were at the heart of a resolute defence for the rest of the game.
There were chances at both ends in the first stanza, with TTM having the upper hand and looking more likely to win.
A superb save by skipper Ngcobo when facing two unmarked attackers kept the home side in the match shortly before the sides went into the tunnel.
Richards Bay came out like a steam train after another inspired change by coach Roger Sikhakhane, with Thabiso Nkoana replacing Khayelihle Shozi to toughen the attack.
The visitors had no answer to Nkoana’s strength and his team mates fed off his powerful hold-up play.
The passing game was suddenly working and with Sbonelo Ngubane rising to meet a cross from the right, the ball landed at the feet of Nkoana who drilled it home with glee (2-1).
TTM continued to apply pressure but Ngcobo in the goals was on inspiring form and with his defenders handled all that was thrown at them.
Man of the match Sphelele Mkhulisi, who played with the energy of the Duracell bunny all day, was rewarded with the NRB’s third goal when despite his short stature he leaped high to beat the far post defenders and head the ball into the corner (3-1).
The second half display, coupled with their fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude reinforces the view that the local outfit has what it takes.
Their climb up the league table has begun. Watch this space.
