Disciplined Swallows defend point against Galaxy with 10 men

Galaxy's best chance saw Xola Mlambo's back-heel tee up lively left-wing Orebotse Mongae in the box to smack a shot that forced a sharp save from Birds keeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.

The second half got off to a poor start for Swallows as they were reduced by a player when Damons received a straight red card from referee Sikhumbuzo Gasa for an over-the-top challenge on midfielder Mbunjana.

Galaxy naturally had the lion's share of possession after that, and attempted to probe for a winner, but Swallows held out and mostly snuffed out the Mpumalanga team's attempts at penetration in the final third. 

The Birds were left distraught as the final whistle approached when Yagan Sasman's free-kick from left midfield was headed across the face by Waseem Isaacs and Allan finished at the right upright.

The centreback had appeared to ghost free from behind the Galaxy defence, but the near side assistant referee raised his flag for offside.