Swallows halted their three-game losing streak in the DStv Premiership after playing to a goalless draw against TS Galaxy on Saturday afternoon.
Swallows had two changes from the loss to Kaizer Chiefs in Siphesihle Mbhele and Darrel Matsheke, whereas Xola Mlambo and Bernard Parker started from Galaxy's defeat to Marumo Gallants FC.
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A pretty even start presented early opportunities to both sides in a teasing free-kick on the edge of the area by Parker before Tshediso Patjie stung the gloves of Galaxy goalkeeper Melusi Buthelezi.
Swallows showed more energy in possession following the opening exchanges and a succession of diagonal balls into wide areas unsettled the Rockets rear-guard.
The Rockets applied the same enthusiasm towards the final third through intricate passes from Mlambo close to the break before Parker's low free-kick forced a diving save from Sanele Tshabalala.
Both teams made a very lively start into the second half and needed strong defensive challenges particularly around the last third and the middle of the park to keep each other at bay.
Interim Swallows coach Musa Nyatama made a substitution over ten minutes from the break with Thato Makua introduced for Patjie before Tshabalala smothered a one-on-one from Parker.
Galaxy still upped the tempo towards the midway stage in the second half and earned a penalty from a foul in the area, but Tshabalala denied Parker and kept the score level.
The threat to a breakthrough from Galaxy revived the visitors, who then managed to work a clever save from Buthelezi off a curling free-kick by Lebohang Lesako late on.
Galaxy regained momentum and a goal disallowed at the death through Bathusi Aubaas' close-range header following a free-kick, as it concluded goalless.
Confirmed line-ups:
Galaxy: Buthelezi, Sanoka, Nyama, Msimango, Sebelebele, Hlongwane, Mbunjana, Mlambo, Aubaas, Parker, Traore
Subs: Kolak, S. Mahlangu, Phohlongo, Mbatha, Makgalwa, M. Mahlangu, Mongae, Mere, Daya
Swallows FC: Tshabalala, Lukhubeni, Sait, Letlabika, Zulu, Mthethwa, Wambi, Matsheke, Malinga, Patjie, Isaacs.
Subs: Mbanjwa, Khupe, Sasman, Damons, Allan, Mbhele, Lesako, Musonda.
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