NRB finish with a flourish

WITH a resounding 3-1 win over Tuks, Richards Bay FC ended their home fixtures on a high, but leaving their fans wondering what might have been had they played like this in their last half dozen games.

Currently assured of no lower than seventh spot on the NFD log with one away match still to be contested, NRB could end in fifth spot pending other results.

Their impressive form at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Sunday showed just how much head coach Brandon Truter’s charges have to offer, with the Pretoria students hardly in the game despite having scored the opener early in the encounter.

From that point it was virtual one-way traffic as Richards Bay dominated all over the park, their superb inter-passing game leaving the visitors chasing shadows and increasingly off the pace.

NRB levelled matters in the 13th minute when captain Khulekani Madondo fed Katleho Maphathe on the right and his perfect cross was met by Mpho Erasmus, who hit it home hard and low (1-1).

Tuks were hardly in it from that point as NRB constructed chance after chance that on another day might have produced goals, but attempts were either misdirected or bravely saved by shot stopper Edward Maova.

Mike Gumede, who it must be said lacked his normal fine touches and poaching instinct on the day, fired directly at Maova and Moegamat Bernard’s hard and low drive was brilliantly kept out by the keeper.

While the entire home side played with freedom and passion, workaholic Bernard again stood out both on defence and via his marauding runs up the left flank.

Still even at the break, the second half saw Richards Bay increase the pace and the Tuks goalmouth was under constant siege.

Erasmus and Gumede both had early chances, and the second goal duly came when Maphathe set up Sandile Kubeka, who did the business to the delight of the noisy home crowd (2-1).

The shot count was steadily mounting and Lindokuhle Shange saw his well direct attempt hit the inside of the far post, but fail to cross the goal line.

Soon after, he was blatantly brought down from behind in the Tuks penalty area but, amazingly, the spot kick was not given.

However, NRB were not to be denied and the third and best goal duly arrived when Bernard whipped in a cross from the left and Gumede took aim and fired with power to seal the deal at 3-1.

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