Swallows FC head coach Brendon Truter says the stalemate against Orlando Pirates was a tough one to take after seeing his side take the lead early on.
Thulani Hlatshwayo’s own goal after 15 minutes gave Swallows the lead but Pirates grabbed a crucial equalizer when Tshegofatso Mabasa come off the bench to head home and see both sides share the spoils.
The Birds boss reflects on his side’s season so far and says conceding such a goal has been one of the recurring themes that explains their struggles this season.
“I don’t think we should have drawn this game,” Truter said after the game.
“I think we should have done better firstly to stop the cross and then of course that ball went into the six-yard area with two players and a goalkeeper around him. I think we should have done better to prevent that goal.
“They got a scramble. They didn’t create anything. Scramble, scramble and then they get the chance. Tactically, I think the boys executed the plan nicely. We knew what we wanted to do. We knew that they would commit the fullbacks and that space will open up for us. And we got into those spaces quite a few times in the first-half.”
“Second half percentage wise we did well. When you don’t have the ball, you control where the opponent wants to play and that played right into our hands. We controlled them when they had the ball. And then they end up kicking it to us and we played on the second ball.”
“Well done to the boys. It’s a bitter pill to swallow. Another draw. But still unbeaten at home and we look forward and prepare for the next game. It’s getting tougher now.
“It happens so many times when we are leading that we concede a soft goal like today and actually dominate play and tactically as well. So, we’re looking forward to next season. We are looking to turn the draws into wins and then who knows where we will end up next season.”
Swallows will be aiming for a return to winning ways when they welcome SuperSport United to their home turf on Tuesday.