Stellies make it four in a row with victory over Richards Bay
Stellenbosch F.C. extended their winning run to four matches in all competitions after recording a 2-1 victory over Richards Bay F.C. at the King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday.
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Iqraam Rayners netted twice to take his tally to five goals in his last three matches
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Stellies have now won four matches in a row for only the second time ever
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The Maroons will be in action again next week Sunday when they play host to Mamelodi Sundowns
Steve Barker’s side were forced to contend with persistent rain in Durban but overcame the temperamental weather conditions to claim an important victory over high-flying Richards Bay.
The Maroons had the ball in the back of the net within two minutes of kick-off when Andre de Jong bundled the ball home, only for his goal to be adjudged offside.
The hosts had the next big chance just before the half-hour mark when an attacker broke clear of the defence and found himself one-on-one with Stellies ‘keeper Sage Stephens in goal.
Stephens came out trumps in that particular battle by pulling off a brilliant save to deny near-certain goal, with Sibongiseni Mthethwa coming to his aid to effect the subsequent clearance and keep the scores level.
The deadlock would be broken on the stroke of half-time, however, when Iqraam Rayners continued his impressive form in front of goal by firing home with a composed finish.
Rayners was at it again just after the break when he latched onto a sumptuous pass from Júnior Mendieta. The 27-year-old took the ball in his stride, cut inside and curled home his fifth goal in three matches since returning to the club.
Stellies continued to control proceedings throughout the second half but were made to face a nervy end to the match after Luvuyo Memela pulled one back for Richards Bay from the penalty spot with less than 10 minutes remaining on the clock.
That ultimately proved to be enough time for Barker’s charges to see out the game and claim a fourth win in a row across all competitions – a feat the team has only once before achieved.