TS Galaxy and Swallows FC played out a 0-0 stalemate in their DStv Premiership clash at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit on Saturday afternoon.
The result sees the Rockets rise to 10th place on the log with 11 points – despite extending their winless run to seven matches – while the Birds are up one spot to 15th on nine points, having now gone five league matches without a victory.
An evenly matched first-half saw Swallows enjoy a period of dominance in which they used the flanks well and had winger Tshedio Patjie sting the palms of Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi.
Galaxy also had some sightings of goal and veteran Bernard Parker came closest to a goal shortly before a break with a fine effort direct from a free kick – though Sanele Tshabala was on hand to make a fine save.
The teams continued to cancel each other out in the early stages of the second half, before Galaxy were given a great opportunity to seize control of the game, as Swallows defender Junaid Sait conceded a penalty due to hand-ball.
However, Parker saw his spot kick saved by Tshabalala on 63 minutes to keep the game at 0-0.
The final half hour of the game was mostly bossed by the Birds, who threatened via a free kick from Lebohang Lesako whiich was well saved by Buthelezi.
Yet the Rockets almost nicked the game at the death: Bathusi Aubaas found the back of the net in injury time with a close-range header, but his goal was correctly disallowed due to offside.
The teams will return to DStv Premiership action on Wednesday 19 October, with Galaxy visiting Kaizer Chiefs and Swallows playing host to Royal AM.
TS Galaxy 0-0 Swallows FC
Galaxy: Buthelezi, Sebelebele, Msimango, Sanoka, Nyama, Mbunjana, Aubaas, Mlambo (Daya 76’), Hlongwane (Mahlangu 84’), Parker (Mbatha 76’), Traore
Swallows: Tshabalala, Lukhubeni, Letlabika, Sait, Zulu, Wambi (Lesako 74’), Mthethwa, Matsheke, Patjie (Makua 59’), Malinga (Musonda 74’), Isaacs (Khupe 90+1’)