NRB get the job done
NRB owner Jomo Biyela was a relieved man when defender Moegamat Bernard prodded the ball into the net from close range with just 10 minutes left on the clock after a dominant, but fruitless display by the home side
IT was by far not their best performance of the season, but Richards Bay FC got the job done by virtue of a 1-0 win over Jomo Cosmos at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
NRB owner Jomo Biyela was a relieved man when defender Moegamat Bernard prodded the ball into the net from close range with just 10 minutes left on the clock after a dominant, but fruitless display by the home side.
True to form, they were off to a slow start and skipper Xolani Ngcobo was forced to pull off a fine save in the opening minutes to deny the visitors first blood.
Hampered by injuries and suspensions, Richards Bay only had 17 players available for selection and coach Brandon Truter was forced into making do with what he had.
Photo: Dave Savides
They soon got into the game and began showing their trade mark skillful passing across the width of the field, dominating possession and creating chances.
Sandile Kubeka fired one over the top and Katleho Maphathe put one wide before the miss of the match – perhaps of the season – courtesy of Mike Gumede.
The man who has been banging them home all season was given an open goal when the ball landed at his feet after a missed kick by a defender.
You would have bet your house on the star striker from the edge of the box, but he blasted it over the crossbar.
NRB also lost the plot after Bafana Dlamini was put through with Gumede up in support in a two-on-one against a lone defender, but the opportunity was also wasted.
Soon after, Bernard crossed a pacey ball from the left that just needed a touch as it zoomed across the goalmouth, but there were no takers.
Photo: Dave Savides
It must be said that Cosmos also had their moments, but the NRB defence was always up to the challenge.
The pace was beginning to tell, especially on the improvised Richards Bay midfield, and it seemed a draw was destined.
However, Truter’s boys never gave up and after Maphathe had been denied from close range, a series of corners eventually gave the vocal NRB supporters the victory they had come to witness.
The ball bobbed around in the box and Bernard, who is possibly the hardest worker in the National First Division, struck sweetly with his right foot to set the stadium alight.
The three points are just the start Richards Bay needed, and with another home game this Sunday against Real Kings, things are looking good as they strive for a promotion play-off place.
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