Truth be told, this Absa Premiership match between Polokwane City and Orlando Pirates yesterday was a dull affair, but Puleng Tlolane's goal that almost won the game for the home side was definitely something to write home about.

After a boring first half, the fans were silently watching the ball move from one side to the other without any real chances being created.

They were probably wondering if they were going to be subjected to another poor showing by the two sides in the next 45 minutes.

But they didn't have to wait long after the restart to have something to cheer about, although the celebrations were reserved for those in the Polokwane City corner.

With eight minutes gone in the second half, Tlolane broke the deadlock with a sublime effort.

He had received a pass from the left side, turned to face goal and with a curler, he hit the top corner.

So good was the strike that Bucs goalkeeper Brighton Mhlongo didn't even move. But his brilliant strike was cancelled out late on by Tendai Ndoro's headed goal.

With a win, the Limpopo side were going to leapfrog Pirates into third spot in the Premiership standings.

So Polokwane City continued to pile the pressure on Pirates and created numerous chances in an attempt to end the game as a contest.

At this stage Pirates were pretty much on the ropes and the home side's Simphiwe Hlongwane was able to push forward, found space and made a run for it, but saw his attempt come off the woodwork after the hour mark.

Moments later, Tlolane could have had his second of the day but Mhlongo this time was equal to the task as he pushed the ball for a corner.

City were left to rue the missed chances when Ndoro was left unmarked in the box and headed home the equaliser right at the death, leaving coach Luc Eymael fuming and hitting the dugout in frustration..

This was some lucky escape for the Buccaneers.

The visitors endured a frustrating afternoon to say the least and to make matters worse, they have now gone three games without a win.

Not that they deserved anything from the match in Polokwane. Bucs struggled to create any real opportunities for the better part of the match.

In the first half, their real chance came towards the break but Thabiso Kutumela's hit the upright with his shot.

City even had a penalty appeal turned down by referee Thando Ndzandzeka in the 12th minute after Tlolane raised his hands in protest claiming he was fouled in the box.

City will look back at this match and realise this was their big opportunity to make it three wins in a row. It wasn't to be, though, as they missed a flurry of chances - most of them one-on-one - to snatch a draw when a win looked highly possible.

Pirates on the other hand have some work to do if they are to make amends for finishing without any silverware last season.