Missed chances cost Bay United dearly when they slipped to a 2-1 defeat against Thanda Royal Zulu in an Absa Premier Soccer League clash played at a rain-swept EPRU Stadium on Wednesday night.

United, or Umlilo as they are known. seldom breathed the fire or showed the killer instinct that saw them scalp Mamelodi Sundowns twice and Orlando Pirates at the start of the season.

United should have finished with at least a share of the spoils but luckless Jimmy Zakazaka missed a golden opportunity to snatch a draw when he shot wide from point blank range just seven minutes before the end.

Down 1-0 at the break, United came out breathing fire and drew level in the 80th minute when Zakazaka scored from the penalty spot.

This was after Gareth Ncaca was viciously brought down in the penalty area and referee Peter Mabuza had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.

United's joy was short-lived as Thanda regained the lead six minutes later when July Mahlangu unleashed a thunderbolt from 35 metres which gave United keeper Arthur Bartman no chance.

Perhaps the writing was on the wall for the home team when inspirational skipper Duran Francis limped off the field with a groin injury after 20 minutes and Patrick Mayo took over the captain's armband.

Just before his untimely departure Francis had made a brave goalline save to prevent Thanda taking the lead.

United, after an indifferent opening half, came out looking to set down an early marker against their opponents. Minutes after the restart Ncaca forced Thanda golkeeper Aubrey Mathibe to make a smart save with a trademark free-kick and then Paulos Shipanga headed wide after a probing cross from Linos Chalwe.

Thanda, who were out of their starting blocks quicker on a greasy surface took the lead in the 27th minute when livewire Nkosinathi Nleko delivered a perfect cross for skipper Bernard Parker who netted from close range, It was a goal of simplicity and skill that took full advantage of leaden-footed Bay United defending which left much to be desired.

The visitors could have doubled their lead just six minutes later when diminutive Edward Hadebe found himself with time and room and only goalkeeper Bartman to beat. But, to the dismay of his teammates, he somehow manged to shoot wide of the target.

While much of the constructive play came from Thanda in he opening half, United relied on long range shots which hardly troubled goalkeeper Mathibe.

Thanda suffered their first scare four minutes before the break when Ncaca forced Mathibe to make a diving save to keep his team ahead to keep his team 1-0 ahead at the break.