Jabulani Shongwe's second-half strike secured a narrow 1-0 win for Bidvest Wits over Varsity rivals University of Pretoria at Tuks Stadium in Pretoria on Sunday.

The win moves the Clever Boys into second place on the league standings, behind Ajax Cape Town on goal difference - AmaTuks slip into the relegation zone.

The rivalry has conjured a mere six goals in six games heading into this weekends clash, a warning for what was to follow with both teams struggling to create chances throughout.

AmaTuks new centre back pairing of Khaya Gwala and Sibusiso Mthethwa were put under early pressure with Bidvest Wits playing all the football in the early exchanges.

In fact both teams were plagued by defensive problems leading up to the game with Siyabonga Nhlapo (suspension) and Thulani Hlatshwayo (injury) ruled out for the visitors while AmaTuksduo Tebogo Monyai and Vukile Mngqibisa were both suspended.

Despite the Clever Boys bright start It would be the visitors to create the first clear cut chance of the match in the 16th minute.

The ball deflected favourable into the path of Thabiso Nkoana, but the former Ajax Cape Town striker could only succeed in scuffing his shot in the grateful hands of Moeneeb Josephs from close range.

Bidvest Wits tried in vain to supply Henrico Botes with goalscoring chances with their first shot in anger falling to Daine Klate in first-half stoppage time.

Elias Pelembe and Onismor Bhasera created a pocket of space for the winger who blasted his shot over Washington Arubi's crossbar.

The ball juggler at halftime finally presented the crowd with something the cheer about with the teams in their respective changerooms having only managed one shot on target between them.

Harry Edge endured a disappointing starting debut for the hosts and was replaced by Vuyisile Ntombayithethi at the start of the second stanza.

The change failed to keep the visitors from scoring with Bidvest Wits taking the lead on 51 minutes.

The AmaTuks defenders were mere spectators as Shongwe charged into the areabefore guiding Nazeer Allie's precise cross past a helpless Arubi.

Sammy Troughton introduced Lucky Mathosi in a hope to pull the sides level and the burly forward was unlucky not to see his header bulge the net as Josephs pulled off a world class save to keep his side's noses in front on 62 minutes.

AmaTuks continued to press for the equaliser, but Bidvest Wits held firm to keep their unbeaten record against the capital side intact.

University of Pretoria (0) 0

Bidvest Wits (0) 1 (Shongwe 51')

Teams:

University of Pretoria: Arubi; Jaure (Nyathi 88'), Mthethwa, Gwala, Mwedihanga - Zwane, Ketjijere, Edge (Ntombayithethi 46'), Nkoana (Mathosi 56') - Mnyamane, Nyondo

Bidvest Wits: Josephs; Allie, Mkhwanazi, Lecki, Bhasera, Pelembe, Faty, Shongwe, Klate (Ntshangase 83'), Botes (Bright 67'), Vilakazi (Gome 67')