Polokwane edge 10-man Bay

Polokwane City claimed a narrow 1-0 win over 10-man Richards Bay in a DStv Premiership match played at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Wednesday night.

Rise and Shine walked away with the three points thanks to a goal in injury time at the end of the first half from Mokibelo Ramabu, while the Natal Rich Boyz will reflect on an early red card for Mthobisi Mngomezulu – which left them fighting an uphill battle for the majority of the game – as well as several spurned scoring chances.

The result sees Polokwane rise to fifth place on the log with 13 points from eight matches, while Bay remain in 15th (the relegation playoff berth) with six points from nine matches.

The first genuine threat on goal came from Richards Bay in the fifth minute, with Sibusiso Mthethwa picking up a loose ball following a free kick, turning and firing off an effort from a tight angle which grazed the frame of the goal.

The hosts were reduced to 10 men in the 15th minute when Mthobisi Mngomezulu was shown a straight red card for a studs-up tackle which caught the ankle of City defender Bulelani Nikani – his challenge was not a malicious one, but reckless enough to justify an immediate dismissal.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Bay looked the more fluid attacking team and nearly claimed the lead on the half-hour mark when Sanele Barns played in a low cross from the right and Somila Ntsundwana – at the second attempt – managed a low shot on target which was brilliantly saved by Polokwane goalkeeper Manuel Sapunga.

FOURTH LEAGUE WIN FOR RISE AND SHINE

City had to wait until injury time at the end of the first half before their first truly penetrating attack, and they duly capitalised to claim the lead: Oswin Appollis played a teasing low cross from