Vipers interim coach Richard Wasswa was left frustrated by his side’s poor finishing after the defending champions’ title run was derailed by a 1-1 draw with Maroons in the Uganda Premier League at St Mary’s Stadium on Tuesday.

Despite dropping two points, the Venoms moved top of the Uganda Premier League standings on 46 points just like second placed BUL, separated only by goal difference.

The rest of the chasing pack — Kitara, SC Villa and NEC — are having 44, 42 and 40 points respectively.

“We played very well but we were not clinical enough,” said Wasswa after the game.

“This is an area we must address in the next games if we are to win the league. We are going to treat our next games as a final.

“We also must show zeal and character if we are to win since we are heading to the final bend of the season,” said the Vipers tactician.

Milton Karisa gave Vipers the lead at the start of the second half, before Darius Ojok’s effort caused a Hillary Mukundane deflection into his own goal to draw Maroons level.

Maroons, who have had inconsistent performances in the second round of the season, have managed to gather two points from Vipers this season, with the reverse fixture having ended 1-1.

Maroons coach, Mohammed Senfuma, felt they had the potential to win Tuesday’s game.

“We were up to task. We should have even won the game late if we utilised our chances,” he said.

“But we shall build from this in our next games. We know it’s not easy, but we shall do our job to perform better.”

League action returns Wednesday. Express host Kitara at Wankulukuku Stadium while NEC will play BUL at Lugogo under floodlights.