VALDEZIA – The local derby between Valdezia Santos and their neighbours, Valdezia Liverpool, ended in a goalless draw.

The MMK League fixture was played at the Valdezia grounds on Saturday.

At one stage Liverpool were saved by their keeper, Calvin Mathebula. He dived like a well-oiled machine to save several sure goals from the goal poachers of Santos, Joseph Marilele, Shadrack Magodi and Musa Halala. The technical staff of Santos were forced to effect an early change to their original team.

Their centre half, Norman Ntimbani, who sustained a knee injury, was replaced by Kulani Shibambu in the 20th minute. Liverpool came close to scoring, when Patrick Mangani shot straight to the keeper at the time when everyone was sure he would chip the ball and beat the lone keeper.

Liverpool made two replacements early in the last half. Happy Maswanganyi and George Maswanganyi came on for Owen Makhubele and Whisky Mangani respectively. Their introduction changed the complexion of the game as Liverpool started to dictate the terms in the middle of the park.

The players who were warned with cards were Jabu Maluleke of Liverpool and Robert Chauke of Santos. Santos were reduced to ten men in the 65th minute. Their defender, Benny Pandeka, was given his marching orders for obstructing Simon Chauke within the Santos danger area.