Lethargic NRB snatch late equaliser
Second half revival gives NRB a share of the spoils
STUNG into action after conceding a goal soon after half-time, Richards Bay FC upped their game and scored one of their own just minutes before the close of their NFD home game against uThongathi FC at the uMhlathuze Stadium on Saturday.
The NRB boyz were atrocious in the first stanza, putting in their worst performance of the season with a series of stray passes, poor marking and failure to convert possession into shooting opportunities.
Photo: Dave Savides
They did have the best chance of the half when Khayelihle Shozi’s perfect cross was thundered directly at visiting keeper Innocent Mthembu by Stanley Muishond.
A few centimetres either way and it would have been a spectacular goal.
It was a lack-lustre, pretty boring first half, with uThongathi perhaps edging matters.
Photo: Dave Savides
The visitors came out like a steam train after the break, and after NRB captain and goalkeeper Xolani Ngcobo appeared to be impeded in the build-up, the referee deemed the resultant shot at goal to be legal and it was 0-1 as the ball found the back of the net.
As they have done so often, Richards Bay were stung into action by this setback and with coach Sello Ntuli making three changes to bolster the strike power, it was a different story as the half wore on.
Photo: Dave Savides
On came Menzi Hlophe, Thabiso Nkoana and Michael Gumede and the trio proceeded to terrorise the visiting defenders.
The changes also served to inspire the likes of Paseka Sekete and Sbonelo Ngubane, who came into their own with numerous forays into enemy territory.
Photo: Dave Savides
With the energy levels up and the passing game working to perfection, it came as no surprise when the pressure finally told in the closing minutes.
Photo: Dave Savides
Michael Gumede towered above all others to head home a spectacular goal to even matters at 1-1, and the chances continued to come, with Ngubane shooting narrowly wide of the left post.
After looking like conceding a loss, the NRB fans left the stadium satisfied with the one point – but knowing a far better performance will be needed on Saturday if they are to take three points off Ubuntu FC in the Cape.
Photo: Dave Savides
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