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Johannesburg - Clinton Larsen’s Bloemfontein Celtic will be happy with a 0-0 draw at Moroka Swallows’ home ground, given the kind of form Gordon Igesund’s team have been in.
Igesund coached Larsen to two league titles – at Manning Rangers and Orlando Pirates – so the pair know each other well and fireworks were expected in this match.
But the game lacked quality overall.
Swallows goalkeeper Greg Etafia was called into action in the opening five minutes when he saved Erick Mathoho’s header and it took Swallows over twenty minutes to fashion a proper chance on goal, but Siyabonga Nomvete’s attempt was saved by Patrick Tignyemb.
Late in the opening half Lennox Bacela had the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside.
Then when the match seemed as if he was going to overturn his initial decision, but finally settled with his first ruling – no goal.
David Mathebula twice came close for The Birds, hitting the upright and later drawing a good save from Tignyemb.
Both teams went for it late in the game, but never really put either goalkeeper under serious pressure.
Celtic showed why they are known as a tough team to break down as they held on to a valuable point on the road.
Swallows have now got 21 points from eleven games and Celtic have 15 from eleven.
Igesund coached Larsen to two league titles – at Manning Rangers and Orlando Pirates – so the pair know each other well and fireworks were expected in this match.
But the game lacked quality overall.
Swallows goalkeeper Greg Etafia was called into action in the opening five minutes when he saved Erick Mathoho’s header and it took Swallows over twenty minutes to fashion a proper chance on goal, but Siyabonga Nomvete’s attempt was saved by Patrick Tignyemb.
Late in the opening half Lennox Bacela had the ball in the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside.
Then when the match seemed as if he was going to overturn his initial decision, but finally settled with his first ruling – no goal.
David Mathebula twice came close for The Birds, hitting the upright and later drawing a good save from Tignyemb.
Both teams went for it late in the game, but never really put either goalkeeper under serious pressure.
Celtic showed why they are known as a tough team to break down as they held on to a valuable point on the road.
Swallows have now got 21 points from eleven games and Celtic have 15 from eleven.
