CONCEDING three goals in a pathetic first half performance, Richards Bay FC somewhat redeemed themselves in the second period, but ended up on the losing side of a final 3-2 Saturday scoreline at the uMhlathuze Stadium.
The NRB side could do nothing right in the first stanza, constantly giving the ball away and gifting possession – and goals – to visiting neighbours Royal Eagles.
After both Michael Gumede and Menzi Hlophe failed to take early chances for the Bay, an unlucky rebound in the 17th minute saw a wayward shot deflect off the back of a player, leaving home skipper Xolani Ngcobo stranded (0-1).
Ngcobo was a spectator again 10 minutes later courtesy of a sloppy pass donation that gave alert Eagles’ attacker Dumisani Tau his brace (0-2) as he guided the ball into the far corner.
Photos: Dave Savides
It wasn’t one-sided though, with a number of chances missed by the home boys.
Michael Gumede was put totally in the clear but passed too early and weakly for anyone to get on the end of his cross.
Misho Mtebule, Menzi Hlophe and Khayalihle Shozi all fluffed their lines when the stage was set for headlines, and with half-time imminent it was Eagles’ Kwanele Hlongwane who nicked their third as NRB concentration lapsed (0-3).
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Turnaround
The roles would be reversed in the second stanza as the Natal Rich Boyz banged in two goals with no reply.
Key to the transformation was the bringing on of hitman Thabiso Nkoana .
Like most of the NRB fans, I find it hard to see why he does not start games.
Not only does he add a different dimension to the attack with his strength and intelligence, he also brings out the best in the other players.
Add to that the addition of Stanley Muishond and they looked a recharged side in the second 45, which had hardly started when Hlophe skinned three defenders down the left and crossed for Nkoana to place the ball in the back of the net (1-3).
Nkoana would have another scorching shot from a distance in the 73rd minute, but it went straight at the keeper.
He also drew the defence as the game’s last embers burnt, squaring a perfect pass across the goalmouth but with no team-mates in position to tap home.
More chances would come and go, and with time running out, Muishond’s textbook cross found the head of Mkhulise, who calmly steered the ball into the net (2-3).
That’s the way it ended – an extremely disappointing result and a first half to forget.
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