SuperSport United failed to jump into second spot on the DStv Premiership log this weekend, after their 0-0 stalemate with Swallows FC at the Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Dube Birds looked positive during the opening exchanges of the first half and showcased their attacking intent by making moves inside the SuperSport United half.
In dealing with Swallows' direct balls into the box, SuperSport United were forced to guard their 18-yard area. With SSU defending deep, the Dube Birds managed to carve out numerous goal-scoring opportunities in the process.
SuperSport United managed to get into the game with around 20 minutes on the clock and led the shots at goal count. A midfield battle broke out at the half-hour mark, with neither side able to hold onto the ball for prolonged periods.
The home team attacked largely from the left-hand side of the pitch, with Ngoma attempting to find Grobler’s runs into the area. However, Swallows sat tight and warded off the balls swung into the box.
In wrapping up the first 45, Swallows and SuperSport headed into the break with the score tied at 0-0.
The game reached a tacky period inside the first 10 minutes after the restart, as Swallows and SuperSport battled to settle on the ball. However, Grobler nearly gave SSU the lead just before the hour mark, with his pin-point free-kick attempt forcing Mbanjwa into making a telling save.
Reduced to hitting SuperSport on the break, Swallows looked dangerous in counter-attacking situations but were unable to capitalise on their attacking thrusts going forward.
With a couple of reinforcements made on both sides, Swallows appeared to have benefited the most after Middendorp reshuffled his pack. Much like in the first half, the Dube Birds often went direct in taking the game to SuperSport.
As the game died down, Swallows produced a flurry of attacks that left Matsatsantsa sitting on the edge of their area, however, the hosts struggled to convert their chances. After 90 minutes, the ref called time on their encounter with the score tied at 0-0.
Swallows FC: (0) 0
SuperSport United: (0) 0
Swallows: Mbanjwa, Wambi, Lukhubeni, Sasman, Sibiya, Allan, Zulu (Mngonyama 70’), Mtshali (Patjie 71’), Mthethwa, Rusk, Malinga (Isaacs 46’)
SuperSport: Goss, Rapoo (Maseko 64’), Fluers, Ditlhokwe, Johannes, Ngoma (Maswanganyi 76’), Ndlovu, Margeman, Lungu, Grobler (Niang 75’), Gabuza (Sibanyoni 75’)