Cape Town Spurs fought hard for a 1-0 win against Richards Bay at the Athlone Stadium in the DStv Premiership on Friday evening. The win reduced the Urban Warriors’ deficit against their opponents to five points instead of eight in the league table.
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It was an important clash for both teams in their fight against relegation and it began with high intensity. Very early into the match, the referee was forced to slow play down by awarding three yellow cards within the first 30 minutes.
Cape Town Spurs goalkeeper Neil Boshoff was forced into making an early save from a corner at the near post in the 11th minute as the high pressure continued. Richards Bay did not hold back and attacked from all ends of the pitch, not making it easy for Spurs to hold their ground, especially in the midfield.
Liam Bern came close to opening the scoring in the 33rd minute after receiving a well worked pass but his shot went just wide, Natal Rich Boyz custodian Jamal Salim was well beaten but it was not enough to change the scoreline.
Moses Mthembu would also come close to getting the ball into the back of the net five minutes later as his powerful shot hit the woodwork for Richards Bay. The first half finished goalless as both teams struggled to find the end product.
As the second half got underway, Spurs seemed to settle into the game but with 30 minutes left on the clock, there was still no sign of a concrete chance being produced to score.
Boitumelo Radiopane was brought on for the Urban Warriors to give some more attacking strength and they looked more dangerous. However, they were still unable to finish their chances.
Rushwin Dortley missed a free header in the closing stages of the match and Azola Jalakashe had acres of space from a tight angle in the 82nd minute, but his shot hit the side netting, as the home team’s frustrations continued.
Jalakashe would redeem himself in the 86th minute as he headed in his first goal of the season after receiving a beauty of a cross from Gadiel Michael Kamagi.
The match ended 1-0, as Spurs collected three points to put more pressure on Richards Bay in the relegation battle, giving them less breathing room for the play-off spot.
Cape Town Spurs (0) 1 (Jalakashe 86’)
Richards Bay (0) 0
Cape Town Spurs: N. Boshoff, S. Nkwali, T. Gumede, R. Dortley, G. Michael, T. Mokeke, L. Bern (S. Maduna 62’), A. Cupido (A. Jalakashe, M. Abrahams (B. Radiopane 46’), A. Velebayi (C. Ryan 70’), T. Moosa
Richards Bay: J. Salim, N. Ndaba, S. Mcineka, S. Mthethwa, L. Mabuya, B. Komane, S. Ntsundwana, M. Mthembu (J. Figuareido 89'), N. Makhubela (T. Mohlamme 72’), S. Barns, K. Muyaba (T. Gumede 72’)