The first half did little to get the pulses racing in the small crowd and could possibly rank as one of the dullest 45 minutes of soccer played in the PSL this season.
Goal opportunities were limited to long range efforts, the first of which arrived the way of Cosmos striker Siza Dlamini, whose 14th minute free kick sailed over the bar.
Six minutes later Dikgang Mabalane’s dipping 30-yard effort was well dealt with by Wardle.
The best chance fell to Arrows mid-way through the half when Mauricio Pequenino burst through on goal, but with only Phali to beat, poor control saw the chance go a begging.
Four minutes before the break Wardle did well to close down the angle and make a decent save to deny Dlamini from netting his first goal of the season for Cosmos.
Arrows had a good chance seven minutes after the restart when Pequenino’s pace took him to the by-line and saw him picking out Abia Nale with a cross, but the latter side-footed wide of the goal.
For their part Cosmos continued to pepper Wardle's goal with shots – Mabalane had two efforts early in the second half, but both were from distance and the Abafana Bes'thende keeper was able to make comfortable saves.
The home side were reduced to 10 men for the last 15 minutes of the game when Thabang Boria was sent off for a reckless challenge.
But Cosmos continued to look for a goal and a 76th minute fiercely-struck free kick by Thapelo Tshilo made sure man-of-the-match Wardle was on top of his game.
At the other end of the field Arrows substitute Richard Henyekane was denied a possible winner when his sharp shot on the turn was well blocked by Phali at the near post.
Ezenkosi came ever so close to grabbing a n 86th minute when Wardle saved well from Mabalane and the rebound fell to Arrows defender Billy Mwanza, who came within a whisker of putting the ball in his own net.
Wardle again came to the rescue of the KZN side and ensured that they took a point from the game when, a minute into injury time, he made an excellent save to deny Rene Letsholonyane, who was clean through on goal.
