Jomo Cosmos have goalkeeper Sherwyn Naicker to thank for escaping defeat against Black Leopards here yesterday.

The former SuperSport United and national under-20 goalkeeper pulled off a series of good saves in the first half as Cosmos held a fearless Leopards side to a goalless draw in front of a very good crowd as both sides moved to four points on the table in the relegation-promotion play-offs.

Were it not for the brilliance of Naicker, Lidoda Duvha would have gone back to Thohoyandou with three points in the bag.

Jomo Sono described Leopards as the best team in the National First Division and yesterday Lidoda Duvha showed just why the Ezenkosi boss rates them so highly.

Leopards did not sit back despite the hosts' impressive record at home this season. Ezenkosi have only lost once at home this season, but Leopards were not intimidated one bit - attacking from the first whistle with Siphelele Ntshangase, Ivan Mahangwahaya and Roggert Nyundu turning it on for the visitors.

Despite their dominance and enterprising football, which had fans on their feet, the visitors just could not beat Naicker, and get the victory they so desperately wanted after last week's defeat to Moroka Swallows.

Naicker first stopped Thomas Madimba's shot after 17 minutes, using his feet to deny the Leopards left winger after coming off his line.

Four minutes later Naicker pulled an even better save from a Mahangwahaya header inside the box.

Leopards were enjoying themselves on the ball as Nyundu missed from close range a minute later after a good cross by Mahangwahaya on the right flank.

It was all Leopards in the first half, and it was that man again Mahangwahaya who threatened Cosmos with a left-footed shot which Naicker stopped.

The speedy right winger dribbled his way into the Cosmos box from the right and brought the ball to his left foot before forcing a save out of Naicker.

Leopards goalkeeper Avhashoni Tshinuna was called late in the second half to make a save, confidently punching Charlton Mashumba's well struck shot out for a corner.

Leopards host Swallows at Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.

Cosmos, who are still on top of the table on goal difference, travel to Dobsonville to take on the Dube Birds in the last match of the play-offs on Wednesday.