Richards Bay FC were comprehensively beaten 5-1 by Milford in a Betway Premiership match that turned on a first-half red card. The heavy defeat leaves the club 14th in the Premier Soccer League, having taken just three points from their opening seven fixtures.
Lindokuhle Zikhali was sent off in the 28th minute for pulling back an attacker inside the penalty area. Siphosethu Ndlabi converted the resulting spot-kick, giving Milford a lead they would not relinquish. "I converted a penalty after Lindokuhle Zikhali was sent off for pulling back the attacker in the box," Ndlabi said.
Mvelo Zikakayo doubled the advantage shortly before half-time and added a third nine minutes after the restart, with Ndlabi providing the assist. Mehluleli Ndelu pulled a goal back for the ten men of Richards Bay in the 77th minute, but it proved only a consolation. Substitute Phakamani Jwara restored the three-goal cushion before Jabulile Gxakoshe completed the scoring in stoppage time. "I completed the rout with an elegant strike to hand the hosts a 5-1 win," Gxakoshe stated.
The result extends a difficult run for Richards Bay, whose recent form reads three consecutive losses followed by two draws. They have conceded 16 goals this season, the second-worst defensive record in the division. Top scorer Nqaba Xulu, who netted twice in the previous 2-3 loss to Sekhukhune United, was unable to influence this game.
Attention now turns to a daunting home fixture against league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 17 October.
More detail at vodacomsoccer.com
