Richards Bay FC share spoils with Durban City in Betway Premiership
Richards Bay FC salvaged a draw from their second derby in a row, fighting back from a goal down to share the spoils with KwaZulu-Natal rivals Durban City at Chatsworth Stadium on Saturday night. The Citizens had not found the back of the net in their opening two league matches, and their failure to find a cutting edge was once again evident in the first half.
What happened?
Veteran Gaston Sirino drove City forward early, producing a delicious cutback from the right that was sent wide. The midfielder also struck the bar with a shot, while Jean Lubumba slashed wildly at the rebound with the goal gaping. Richards Bay made City pay for that early profligacy, with Aqaba Xulu going straight up the other end after capitalising on a defensive error, twisting inside and out before burying his shot into the roof of the net.
Why it matters for Richards Bay FC
The Natal Rich Boys remained a threat on the break, however, with an increasingly confident Xulu forcing a save from Fredrick Asare with a neat flick between the legs. Morris squandered a glorious chance to draw City level, controlling another great cross from Sirino before firing his volley high over the bar from the edge of the box in the 32nd minute.
What comes next?
The draw leaves both KZN teams still searching for their first victory of the season. League standing: 11th in Betway Premiership, 2 pts, 0W-2D-1L from 3 games, recent form DDL. Goals this season: 3 scored, 4 conceded (-1 goal difference). Title race: 5 points behind leaders Orlando Pirates.
