In what was an evenly contested battle, Richards Bay FC and TS Galaxy played to a 0-0 draw in their most recent DStv Premiership match, with the tie taking place at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday night.
Richards Bay got comfortable with the ball early on and settled after five minutes played. The home side looked fluid in terms of their passing movements and took the game to TS Galaxy. As they attacked, the Natal Rich Boyz looked lively from set-plays as well.
TS Galaxy were reduced to hitting the home team on the break but the Natal Rich Boyz remained solid defensively, as the game progressed toward the 15-minute mark.
The travelling outfit got into the game halfway through the first half and saw the possession count swing in their favour. While it was Galaxy’s turn to push Richards Bay back, the visitors struggled to make the most of their attacking moves.
Richards Bay immediately returned the favour, with the game proving to be somewhat of an end-to-end affair. Following a period of winning successive corners after the half-hour mark, the hosts pressed on in search of an opener.
In looking for ways to penetrate the TS Galaxy backline, Richards Bay found openings on the right flank and often whipped balls into the penalty area, which was well dealt with by Melusi Buthelezi in goal.
There was little to separate the two teams as the half came to a close and headed into the break with the score deadlocked at 0-0.
Similar to the tone of the first half, the second 45 began on a frantic note, with both teams looking to break the deadlock as soon as the whistle was blown. Richards Bay looked more assured on the ball during the initial exchanges of the half but could not break down the stubborn Galaxy defence.
As the game progressed, Richards Bay and Galaxy produced few talking points, with most of the action transpiring in the middle of the park. In an attempt to change the game, both sides made wholesale changes as the clock approached the 80-minute mark.
The Rockets were pushed onto the edge of their own half for most of the second half, given the sustained pressure by Richards Bay FC. The game fizzled out during the stoppage time phase as neither side could make the most of their attacking plays.
In what was an even affair for much of the 90 minutes as the referee called time on the game at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Richards Bay FC: (0) 0
TS Galaxy: (0) 0
Richards Bay: Magoola, Maphathe, Mabua, Mcineka, Nyauza, Mabaso (Mdabuka 77’), Barns (Makateng 89’), Mathebula, Ntsundwana (Mbuthuma 77’), Memela, Msani
TS Galaxy: Buthelezi, Nyama, Mere, Sanoka, Msimango, Mbatha (Makgalwa 56’), Aubaas (Mahlangu 91’), Mbunjana, Teto (Sebelebele 56’), Mlambo (Phohlongo. 71’), Parker (Traore 71’)