Milford cruise past 10-man Richards Bay in five-goal win
Milford FC continued their strong start to the Betway Premiership season with a convincing 5-1 victory over 10-man Richards Bay at the Sugar Ray Xulu Stadium on Sunday.
The newly promoted side moved up to fifth place with 11 points from seven matches, while Richards Bay remain without a league win and sit 13th with three points from six games.
Milford started brightly and gradually took control of the contest before finding the breakthrough in the 28th minute.
Richards Bay were reduced to 10 men after Lindokuhle Zikhali brought down Siphosethu Ndlabi inside the penalty area. Zikhali was shown a straight red card, with Milford awarded a spot-kick for the foul.
Ndlabi made no mistake from 12 yards, sending the hosts into the lead.
Milford doubled their advantage shortly before the interval when Sifiso Mdluli delivered from the left. Richards Bay failed to clear the danger, allowing Mvelo Zikakayo to collect the loose ball and fire home.
Richards Bay made two changes at half-time, bringing on Luyanda Khumalo and Lundi Mahala as they looked to get back into the match.
However, Milford continued to control proceedings and extended their lead in the 54th minute. Ndlabi turned provider, setting up Zikakayo, who found the net again to make it 3-0.
Milford made all five of their substitutions between the 62nd and 76th minutes as they looked to manage their advantage.
Richards Bay pulled a goal back in the 77th minute through Mehluleli Ndelu, who registered his first goal for the club.
The visitors’ hopes of mounting a comeback were short-lived, though, as Milford restored their three-goal cushion six minutes from full-time.
Substitute Phakamani Jwara found the back of the net in the 84th minute before another replacement, Jabulile Gxakoshe, completed the scoring in stoppage time.
The emphatic victory sees Milford continue their impressive introduction to the top flight, while Richards Bay remain searching for their first league win of the campaign.
Milford return to action next weekend when they host Durban City, while Richards Bay welcome Sekhukhune United.
