BETHLEHEM – Free State Stars and Polokwane City ended 0-0 in their Premiership match at the Goble Park on Saturday afternoon.
The draw sees Ea Lla Koto slip down to sixth place on the league standings, while Rise and Shine moved up to 11th place.
Polokwane were able to contain the home side in the opening stages of the game, with Thapelo Tshilo marshalling their defence.
The two teams were struggling to create clear-cut chances as they both lost possession in the final third.
However, Polokwane goalkeeper Harold Ndlovu was called into action just after the half-hour mark.
Siphelele Mthembu unleashed a shot which was well-saved by the Ndlovu, who was well-positioned to make a save.
Stars and Polokwane continued to struggle to create goal-scoring opportunities with the half-time break looming.
The home side was reduced to 10 men a few minutes into the second period when Tebogo Potsane was red-carded.
Polokwane then took control of the match as they looked to take advantage of their numerical advantage over Stars.
However, 10-men Stars were able to defend strongly, with former Pirates defender Rooi Mahamutsa guiding the hosts’ backline.
Rodney Ramagalela, who is in the race for this season’s Premiership Golden Boot, was tightly marked.
Ultimately, the match ended in a goalless stalemate after Stars contained Polokwane in the dying minutes of the match.