diff --git a/src/units/abilities.cpp b/src/units/abilities.cpp
index 29cdd3a517c12..21c1c63835a6a 100644
--- a/src/units/abilities.cpp
+++ b/src/units/abilities.cpp
@@ -1459,9 +1459,7 @@ bool attack_type::overwrite_special_checking(unit_ability_list& overwriters, con
 		if(overwrite_specials){
 			auto overwrite_filter = (*overwrite_specials).optional_child("filter_specials");
 			if(overwrite_filter && is_overwritable && one_side_overwritable){
-				if(self_){
-					special_matches = (*self_).ability_matches_filter(cfg, tag_name, *overwrite_filter);
-				}
+				special_matches = special_matches_filter(cfg, tag_name, *overwrite_filter);
 			}
 		}