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Johannesburg - A 10-man Wits side held out for a 1-0 victory over Golden Arrows in their Premiership match at the Bidvest Stadium on Saturday.
Ebrahim Seedat was given his second yellow card for a challenge in the 65th minute, which left the home side defending their one-goal advantage for the remainder of the encounter.
The only goal came in the 15th minute through Matthew Pattison, but the home side faced a nervy final 25 minutes a man down, and they were able to hold on for a vital three points.
With the win, Wits move to 11 points from seven matches, and Arrows remain on six points from their seven fixtures played.
Coming into the match, Arrows were four games unbeaten while Wits were looking to secure a second win in a row.
In hot conditions, where the teams had to take a water break midway through the first period, it was Wits who began the match brighter.
Wits, dominant throughout the half, moved the ball quickly across the field and created a number of chances.
The Clever Boys were rewarded for their efforts in the 15th minute. A quick Wits attack - starting inside their own half - saw Matthew Pattison with time and space in the Arrows area from a Calvin Kadi cross, before picking his spot in the roof of the net to give the home side a 1-0 lead.
Wits could have doubled their lead in the 32nd minute, but failed to find the net. Tinashe Nengomasha left with just Pavels Steinbors in the Arrows goal to beat, scuffed an attempt which was easily gathered by the keeper.
The only occasion the visitors threatened the Wits goal was in the 41st minute, and even then they could not get a shot in at goal. A Dillon Sheppard corner caused a few problems for Wits, but as the ball floated into the area no Arrows player could get a touch on it as the ball sailed out for a goal-kick.
The Students were able to avoid conceding an almost-certain equaliser in the 57th minute. Jabulani Nene was unmarked and with just the goalkeeper to beat, Steven Hoffman pulled off a spectacular save from the headed attempt to keep his side's lead intact.
Later Wits were reduced to 10-men with the Seedat red-card, but the visitors were unable to capitalise.
