Bucs too good for Vasco

Soweto - Orlando Pirates cruised to a comfortable victory over Vasco da Gama, and retain their two-point lead at the top of the Absa Premiership standings with a 2-0 win at Orlando Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Pirates all but secured the three points in the first half through goals from stirkers Katlego Mashego and Thulasizwe Mbuyane.

The Buccaneers played a strategic game, starting out the match in ruthless fashion and converting their chances, before holding onto a two goal advantage for the rest of the match.

Pirates were impressive in the first half and were lethal with their opportunities.

Their midfielders weren't able to gain any real dominance, and didn't create many chances on goal, but they were clinical with their finishing.

Mashego scored the opener when he tore away from the Vasco defense in the 20th minute. He confidently converted his chance as his shot slammed into the back of the net to make it 1-0 to Pirates.

The hosts netted their second goal in the 36th minute through Mbuyane. His powerful header from point-blank range saw Vasco goalkeeper Posnett Omony pull off a spectacular save.

Omony, however, wasn't able to hold onto the ball and Mbuyane followed up and nudged the ball over the line.

It was only in the 41st minute that the visitors had their first real chance of the game. Striker Bradley August reeled off a long range shot that tested Pirates 'keeper Moeneeb Josephs as he tipped the ball over the crossbar.

Vasco's best chance came a minute later, and should really have seen them pull a goal back. A well taken corner saw the Pirates defence taken by surprise, and the resulting goalmouth scuffle ended in a good reaction save from Josephs.

The hosts didn't seem intent on searching for a third goal, but were instead content to pass the ball around and hang on to their lead.

If Pirates lacked creativity they made up for it by strangling Vasco off the ball. The visitors were forced to work with little possession and couldn't create any serious challenges.

The loss saw Vasco drop to the bottom half of the table.