Wits snatch late draw at Polokwane City

Cape Town - Bidvest Wits fought back to claim a 1-1 draw in their Absa Premiership match away to Polokwane City on Saturday afternoon.

The match at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium saw Rise and Shine claim the lead early in the second half through Rodney Ramagalela, but the Clever Boys equalised late on through Eleazar Rodgers.

The first half saw few chances created at either end, though Wits right-back Reeve Frosler sent an early warning shot across the bow of the hosts as he fired an effort just off target in the 10th minute.

Polokwane created flashes of danger themselves, with veteran midfielder Jabulani Maluleke almost able to create an opening on 20 minutes, but he was denied by some quick work from the Clever Boys’ defence.

Both sides stroked the ball around nicely, but two disciplined sets of defenders ensured that neither City’s George Chigova nor Wits goalkeeper Darren Keet were called upon to make any notable saves in a goalless first half.

The deadlock was broken just six minutes into the second stanza, with Polokwane putting together a fine attacking move which ended with Rodney Ramagalela finding the back of the net with a deflected shot.

Wits looked for a quick reply, but midfielder Phumlani Ntshangase saw his long-range effort fly over the crossbar, while coach Gavin Hunt soon shuffled his attack around by introducing both Eleazar Rodgers and James Keene.

The match looked to be headed in Polokwane’s favour as their defence repelled wave after wave of attack from the visitors, but the Clever Boys finally broke through and levelled the game in the 90th minute when Rodgers headed home to make it 1-1.

The result sees Wits rise off the foot of the table to 15th while City are also up one place to 13th. However, both could drop down again when more games are completed through the weekend.