Moroka Swallows gave their survival prospects a massive shot in the arm with a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United at the Dobsonville Stadium on Friday evening.

Felix Obada's first-half goal was enough to secure three vital points for the Premiership strugglers, who moved off the foot of the table to go three clear of AmaZulu in 15th place.

It was ultimately a game of missed chances as both goalkeepers had very little to do throughout the entire 90 minutes, despite an exciting opening half.

Kurt Lentjies went close for the Team of Choice in the opening stages with a shot that just missed the mark, but it was the hosts who broke the deadlock soon afterwards.

Shere Lekgothoane found Obada in space with the Dube Birds' first attack and the striker beat visiting keeper Shu-Aib Walters to open the scoring.

Siyabonga Nomvethe had a great chance to double Swallows' lead on 18 minutes when raced through on goal, but the striker failed to beat Walters in a one-on-one.

Four minutes later Lantshene Phalane blasted an effort wide before Vuyisile Wana showed neat footwork moments later when he cut inside to create space for a shot, but he fired straight at Walters.

Nomvethe was wasteful again on 26 minutes when he blazed over the crossbar, while at the other end Greg Etafia was finally given some work to do when he reacted sharply to keep out a deflected effort just before the half-hour mark.

Philani Cele connected with a cross on 34 minutes but failed to keep his header down as Walters watched the ball sail over his goal.

Craig Rossle's men took their one-goal lead into the halftime interval and they seemed content to defend their slender advantage after the restart.

The only notable chance in the second half came the way of Swallows when Phalane fired a shot over the target on 76 minutes, with the visitors of very little threat in the latter stages of the game.