Richards Bay bagged three crucial points in their 1-0 win over Cape Town Spurs in the DStv Premiership on Sunday afternoon, with Therlo Moosa missing a penalty in the 94th minute for the Urban Warriors.
Spurs slumped to their 10th loss in the DStv Premiership this week, with Thato Mohlamme’s wonder strike in the 71st minute being the difference maker in the tie.
The hosts got the game off on a positive note and held most of the ball during the opening exchanges of the encounter.
Boikanyo Komane and Yamela Mbuthuma were at the end of two goal scoring opportunities before the 10-minute mark but were let down by poor finishing when it mattered most.
While Richards Bay continued to assert themselves on their opponents, Therlo Moosa came close to opening the scoring in the 16th minute with his headed effort from the centre of the box was saved by goalkeeper Jackson Mabokgwane.
Simphiwe Mcineka showcased his aerial threat in the opposite area as Sam Ramsbottom saved a close-range header in the 22nd minute, preserving his side’s scoreline in the process.
Nonetheless, neither side created any notable scoring opportunities as the halftime whistle approached, with the score tied at 0-0 at the break.
The Natal Rich Boyz looked bright at the restart with the Urban Warriors often sitting back in looking to soak up the home team’s pressure. In bossing the possession count, Richards Bay played high up the pitch with Spurs employing a clear counter-attacking tactic.
Richards Bay continued to pile on the pressure after the hour mark, with their attacking movements often troubling the Spurs backline, particularly in wide areas of the pitch.
The hosts eventually took the lead in the 71st minute as Thato Mohlamme opened the scoring for his side. Following a swift counter attacking move, Mohlamme drove the ball forward before unleashing a thunderous shot from outside the area which beat Ramsbottom at his near post.
Spurs were wasteful in possession and struggled to get into any kind of passing rhythm after Mohlamme’s opener, while Richards Bay looked dangerous when turning over possession in the middle of the park.
In a dramatic ending to the tie, Cape Town Spurs were awarded a penalty in the 94th minute after Jarrod Moroole was fouled in the 18-yard-area. Stepping up to the spot, Therlo Moosa’s effort struck the upright which proved to be the last bit of action at the King Zwelithini Stadium.
Richards Bay FC: (0) 1 (Mohlamme 71’)
Cape Town Spurs: (0) 0
RICHARDS BAY FC: Mabokgwane, Dlamini, Mthethwa, Mcineka, Banda, Mabaso (Mohlamme 59’), Gumede, Komane, Miya (Mhlongo 45’), Barns, Mbuthuma
CAPE TOWN SPURS: Ramsbottom, Msani, Dortley, Daniels, Lukhubeni, Phewa, Buchanan (Velebayi 88’), Morton (Moroole 74’), Butsaka (Thethani 74’), Ralani (Baartman 57’), Moosa