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Johannesburg - Moroka Swallows’ title hunt received a massive boost as they thrashed Bidvest Wits 3-0, in their Premiership clash at the Dobsonville Stadium, on Wednesday night.
Strikes from David Mathebula, Bennette Chenene and an own goal from Mbulelo Mabizela saw the Birds prevail in a match which they dominated from the first whistle.
The Birds’ consistent raids in the Wits half paid dividends in the second minute through an own goal by Mbulelo Mabizela, whose right-footed miscue beat goalkeeper Emille Baron to give the hosts the lead.
The high flying Mathebula stretched the lead for the Birds two minutes later finishing a Lerato Chabangu cross to make it 2-0 to the home side.
Mabizela came close to redeeming himself in the seventh minute but his header from a Bhongolwethu Jayiya's cross found goalkeeper Greg Etafia equal to the task.
Chabangu’s form was on display again in the 22nd minute as his inch perfect cross met the left foot of Chenene, and the ball flew straight into the top corner to give Swallows a massive lead going to the break.
In the second half coach Wits coach Roger de Sa introduced Bradley Ritson for Sifiso Vilakazi.
This move saw Wits pick up gear but found the defensive trio of Luvhengo Mungomeni, Shere Lekgothoane and Gilbert Mapemba unshaken.
The Students continued searching for a goal and they came close in the 58th minute, but Miguel Timms watched in agony as his attempt flew wide of Etafia’s goal.
Letsie Koapeng nearly gave Wits a consolation goal in the 86th minute but his pile driver was denied by the woodwork with Etafia beaten.
The win see Swallows stay in the hunt for league crown with 41 points, just two points adrift of log-leaders Mamelodi Sundowns, who played to a goalless draw against Golden Arrows.
