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Johannesburg - Orlando Pirates gave their league title hopes a huge boost by romping home to a well deserved 2-0 win against hosts Lamontville Golden Arrows at the Chatsworth stadium on Wednesday.
Arrows would have gone into this match cock-a-hoop, especially after posting a slick 2-1 win against Durban rivals Amazulu on Sunday.
However, the Abafana Bes'thende were unable to rekindle the same magic against their slick opponents.
Francis Chansa was named man of the match at the end of 90 minutes, for his sterling efforts in the heart of midfield.
Honours were fairly even in the first half, but Pirates had a goal to show for their endeavours after Chansa drilled home one of his trademark thumping drives in the 28th minute, giving Arrows' goalkeeper Helton Da Rocha no chance.
Near the start of the half, Chansa had an even easier chance to put Pirates on the front-foot, when he had a one-on-one situation with the keeper, but inexplicably lofted his attempt over the crossbar.
Arrows had two chances in quick succession in the 20th minute.
Norikazu Murakami sent a header into the side-netting when he rose majestically to meet Itumuleng Duiker's well-weighted cross.
Then, an unmarked Collins Mbesuma, who scored both goals against Amazulu, directed a header wide from Siyabonga Nkosi's cross.
Pirates' second goal came five minutes after the interval, when Siyabonga Sangweni diverted Tlou Segolelala's probing corner kick into his own goal.
Arrows would have upped the ante in the remaining minutes had Mbesuma converted when he came face to face with Pirates' 'keeper Senzo Meyiwa, but the goalie was able to tip the Zambian's stinging drive over his crossbar.
Pirates took of control of proceedings for the remaining minutes, and could have gone further ahead in injury time when Mark Mayambela pulled clear of his markers, but Da Rocha blocked his low effort.
