Sundowns hold off brave Milford to stay level with Pirates

Mamelodi Sundowns maintained the pressure on Betway Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates with a hard-earned 2-0 win over promoted Milford FC at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Wednesday night.

The result moved Sundowns to 13 points from five matches, level with defending champions Pirates. The Pretoria side remain second in the table because of an inferior goal difference, while Kaizer Chiefs stay third on eight points from four games after being inactive in midweek.

Sundowns were expected to win comfortably against a newly promoted opponent, but Milford made them work throughout a fiercely contested match. The visitors matched the eight-time champions over the past 10 seasons for intensity, physicality, speed and quality of passing, particularly during a competitive first half.

The opening goal arrived in contentious circumstances shortly before the interval. Milford midfielder Cebolenkosi Mthethwa lost possession inside his own penalty area after Sundowns left-back Aubrey Modiba challenged him. Modiba then supplied the pass for striker Iqraam Rayners, who finished to give the home side the lead.

However, replays appeared to show that Modiba had pushed Mthethwa before taking the ball. The decision not to award a foul left Milford with legitimate grounds for complaint.

The Stallions responded positively despite falling behind and refused to be overwhelmed by the quality and experience of their opponents. Their performance ensured Sundowns could not settle into a comfortable rhythm, with the promoted side continuing to compete across the pitch.

Sundowns finally secured the points in the second half when attacking midfielder Antonio van Wyk scored to double their advantage. His strike ended Milford’s hopes of taking anything from the game and relieved some of the pressure on the hosts after an unexpectedly difficult contest.

Milford nevertheless remain in an impressive position for a club playing in the top flight for the first time. They are fifth with seven points from five matches, and Wednesday’s defeat was only their second loss of the campaign. Their other defeat came on the opening day against Pirates.

Since then, the Eastern Cape-based club have beaten Siwelele FC and fellow newcomers Kruger United in successive matches. They have also drawn with Polokwane City, a run of results that has underlined their ability to compete in the Premiership.

Milford secured promotion through the play-offs after finishing second in the Motsepe Foundation Championship last season. Their early form suggests they will present a serious challenge in the fight for survival rather than simply make up the numbers.

The Stallions will be on the road again on Saturday when they travel to face Chippa United at Dobsonville Stadium in Soweto. Chippa United, known as the Chilli Boys, are playing their home fixtures in Soweto because no suitable venue is currently available in their province.

Sundowns face another demanding assignment on Sunday when they visit Golden Arrows at King Zwelithini Stadium in Umlazi, outside Durban.