Publications
Partners
Johannesburg - Maritzburg United remain unperturbed, according to playmaker Dillon Sheppard, despite stretching their winless run to five straight league matches, as they aim for a top-four finish.
The hosts went down 1-0 against Moroka Swallows in Port Elizabeth on Friday night, thanks to a first-half injury time strike by Katlego Mashego, and while they remained sixth in the Absa Premiership table, the Birds drew level on points.
SuperSport United, who held two games in hand, were one point ahead in fifth position, and Wits, with one match in hand, were another point clear in fourth place.
"We've got some tough games coming up, and we really needed to get three points here to climb above Wits and compete for that fourth position," Sheppard said.
Sheppard rued his team's glut of wasted opportunities.
"We came here for three points, but we made silly mistakes at the back and they scored the goal.
"We came back well in the second half but it just wasn't enough in the end."
He hoped they could make up for the defeat in the last few matches of their campaign.
Maritzburg face title chasers Platinum Stars, before they meet strugglers Ajax Cape Town, with a clash against defending champions Orlando Pirates scheduled for their final fixture of the season.
"We've made it a little more difficult for ourselves now, so we've just got to go back, keep working hard, and let's see what we can get out of the next three games," Sheppard said.
