Swallows' impressive DStv Premiership form continued on Saturday as they pulled off a hard-fought 1-0 win over Baroka at Peter Mokaba Stadium.
The game was off to a reserved start as neither team could manage a shot at goal in the first 15 minutes, with Baroka looking to defend with a deep defensive line.
Swallows earned a promising indirect free kick inside the Bakgaga box in the 26th minute, and the hosts held firm as they put bodies behind the ball to keep the scoreline level.
Towards the end of the opening half Lebohang Mokoena started finding some space to exploit in front of the Baroka defence and forced a low save from goalkeeper Elton Chipezeze.
Mokoena continued peppering the Baroke goal with shots as the half came to a close but Chipezeze was up to the task, keeping a clean sheet until the break.
The Birds enjoyed the ascendancy for much of the game and were rewarded as the hour mark approached. The match official pointed to the spot after a foul in the Baroka box and Ruzaigh Gamildien made no mistake with the spot-kick to give the visitors their 1-0 lead.
Conceding the first goal seemed to spark Baroka into life as they began piling forward in numbers, but Swallows kept their shape and fended off the home team's attacks.
Swallows coach Brendan Truter decided to add some defensive strength to his team as the clock ticked down, bringing on Thabo Mosadi and Junaid Sait for Given Thibedi and Gamildien.
Playing it safe worked out for the Birds in the end as they held on to their narrow lead to move up to second position in the standings, level on points with Mamelodi Sundowns.
- TEAMtalk media
