Moroka Swallows and Bloemfontein Celtic played to a goalless draw in their Absa Premiership match at the Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

In a game that was far from memorable but nonetheless fiercely contested, the Birds probably had the better of their visitors from the Free State but seemed to lack the precision needed in the final third of the field to unlock a resilient defence.

Phunya Sele Sele, meanwhile, remain one of just three teams who are still unbeaten after eight rounds of the league. The others are Bidvest Wits and leaders Orlando Pirates.

Chances were few and far between in the first half, particularly for Celtic. However, the away side did have the first clear scoring opportunity ? on-loan Orlando Pirates striker Excellent Walaza found himself free in the 18-yard area but took too long to get a shot away, allowing goalkeeper Greg Etafia to come off his line and smother the effort.

Brazilian defender Davi Rancan, playing in midfield for Swallows, had a great chance to break the deadlock on 40 minutes when the ball broke for him in the penalty area but he rushed his shot and pulled it wide of the posts.

Three minutes later it took a great save from goalkeeper Patrick Tignyemb to deny Morgan Shivambu after the midfielder had directed a good header on target from Lefa Tsutsulupa?s free kick.

Swallows looked the more fluid side in the early stages of the second half but some poor touches in the final third of the field undid the good work that their midfield and defence were doing to control of the match.

On 55 minutes David Radebe did very well to pull the ball back from near the by-line into the path of strike partner Lungisani Ndlela but the lanky player skewed his shot hopelessly wide.

Ndlela had better aim with his head after meeting a corner kick just past the hour mark but he still failed to hit the target.

Swallows coach Rainer Zobel look to shake things up by introducing Shaun Haschik for David Radebe, a decision that was met by jeers by the Birds? faithful. Unfortunately Haschick had a bit of a nightmare in his 15 minutes on the pitch, vindicating the supporters? derision.

The home side looked the likelier scorers in the final phase of the match but Celtic held them at bay with some ease.