Bernard Parker scored a brace as Kaizer Chiefs came back from being a goal down to beat Moroka Swallows 3-1 in their Absa Premiership encounter at the Volkswagen Dobsonville Stadium on Saturday night.

The Dube Birds drew first blood through Giorgi Nergadze, but Parker hit back with a brace before George Lebese sealed the win.

The hosts came close to taking the lead in the third minute when Siyabonga Nomvethe cut in from the left before unleashing a powerful strike which rattled the crossbar.

Six minutes later, the away side had their first opportunity as Kingston Nkhatha combined with George Lebese on the left side of the box, but the latter saw his low shot saved by Greg Etafia.

The Moroka Swallows goalkeeper was called into action again in the 14th minute, this time denying Nkhatha from close range after he had connected with a cross from Parker.

The opening goal arrived six minutes later when Nergadze rose above Willard Katsande at the far post to nod home Lerato Chabangu’s inswinging corner.

The Dube Birds then had an opportunity to double their lead in the 24th minute when they were awarded a penalty when Itumeleng Khune was adjudged to have fouled Lerato Chabangu.

Katlego Mashego beat Khune twice from the penalty spot but both of his efforts were disallowed by referee Buyile Gqubule due to encroachment, before the Kaizer Chiefs captain denied him with a low save on the third occasion.

Chiefs eventually took advantage of the lifeline in the 31st minute as Parker fired a low shot home from a tight angle after he was set u by a brilliant backheel from Nkhatha.

Zeca Marques’ side looked to restore their lead two minutes into the second half but Nomvethe saw his shot blocked while Tsutsulupa’s follow-up effort was deflected wide.

Then it was the visitors who started to look more dangerous with Nkhatha heading Siphiwe Tshabalala’s teasing cross over the crossbar in the 48th minute.

Stuart Baxter’s men then took the lead six minutes later as Siyabonga Nkosi controlled a long pass on the left before cutting the ball back for Parker to bury from the centre of the penalty area.

The Glamour Boys extended their advantage in the 72nd minute as Lebese sprung the offside trap to fire past the advancing Etafia after he was put through by a great pass from Tshabalala.

Mashego came close to getting his name on the score sheet in added time but when he connected with substitute David Mathebula on the edge of the area, but his powerful struck flew just wide of the upright.

A minute later Parker came close to sealing the result and scoring his third goal of the match, but he was denied by a good block from Greg Etafia.

Moroka Swallows (1) 1 (Nergadze 20’)

Kaizer Chiefs (1) 3 (Parker 31’ 54’, Lebese 72’)

Teams:

Moroka Swallows: Etafia, Isaacs (Obada 75’), Lekgothoane, Mungomeni, Da Costa, Nergadze, Chabangu (Mathebula 89’), Tsutsulupa, Chenene (Makhanya 68’), Mashego, Nomvethe

Kaizer Chiefs: Khune, Gaxa, Mathoho, Mashamaite, Masilela, Katsande, Nkosi, Tshabalala, Lebese (Dladla 82’), Nkhatha (Ngcobo 87’), Parker