Milford FC continued their impressive start to life in the Betway Premiership by crushing 10-man Richards Bay 5-1 at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday.
The Stallions, top-flight rookies, moved up to fifth place on the log, having taken 11 points from seven league matches thus far. The Natal Rich Boyz, meanwhile, remained winless in 13th place, with just three points from six outings.
Milford enjoyed more of the ball from early in the match and gradually built up attacking pressure, with their efforts paying dividends midway through the first half when Bay’s Lindokuhle Zikhali committed a foul in the 18-yard area – both giving away a penalty and being issued a straight red card.
Zikhali was guilty of giving away possession in midfield and then pulling back Siphosethu Ndlabi in trying to make up for his mistake. The Stallions then claimed the lead from the spot in the 28th minute, with Ndlabi converting from 12 yards out to put the hosts a goal to the good.
Milford were able to double their advantage just before the halftime interval: Sifiso Mdluli crossed from the left and Bay failed to effectively clear, with Mvelo Zikakayo latching onto the loose ball and steering home a shot for 2-0.
The Natal Rich Boyz made a double change at the start of the second stanza, throwing on Luyanda Khumalo and Lundi Mahala, but the momentum remained with Milford, who added to their lead in the 54th minute when Zikakayo converted from Ndlabi’s assist for a 3-0 scoreline.
After going three goals clear, Milford eased off the throttle and used all five of their substitutions from minute 62 to 76. As the hosts looked to adjust their changes, Bay were able to score a consolation goal in the 77th minute via Mehluleli Ndelu – his first for the club.
Yet the Stallions restored a three-goal advantage in the 84th minute when Phakamani Jwara, one of the subs, found the back of the net to make it 4-1.
And another replacement, Jabulile Gxakoshe, stylishly completed the 5-1 scoreline in injury time to wrap up a famous win for the hosts.
The teams will return to Premiership action next weekend, with Bay at home to Sekhukhune United, and Milford hosting Durban City.
Milford FC (2) 5 (Ndlabi 28’ pen, Zikakayo 45+1’ 54’, Jwara 84’, Gxakoshe 90+2’)
Richards Bay (0) 1 (Ndelu 77’)
MILFORD: Hleza, Ngxongo, Mthabela, Cele, Mdluli (Jwara 76’), Mthethwa (Mkhize 76’), Siaya, Chili, Sigomoshe (Gxakoshe 62’), Zikakayo (Mbunga 62’), Ndlabi (Masilela 62’)
RICHARDS BAY: Mtshali, Mabuya (Khumalo 46’), Sikhakhane, Mthamosi, Mcineka, Mntungwa (Gwele 58’), Mthembu, Mbambo, Zikhali, Nzama (Mahala 46’), Xulu (Ndelu 58’)