Johannesburg - League strugglers Black Leopards scored in both halves to secure their fourth win of the Premiership season on Wednesday night, bagging a 2-1 win over Golden Arrows in Polokwane.
Both sides had their chances in the opening period, with Masonwabe Bovu taking a direct free kick for Arrows as early as the fifth minute, though he fired his shot wide to the left.
Nine minutes later, Abbas Amidu sent his volleyed effort from inside the box sailing harmlessly over the target, and midway through the first half, his Leopards teammate Nkosiyabo Xakane had a long-range strike saved by Arrows goalkeeper Cedric Gumede.
The visitors surged forward and they twice came close within a couple of minutes, with Leopards goalminder Azwindini Maphaha keeping out an attempt from Thanduyise Khuboni before Bovu watched his strike bounce off the post.
Seconds later, on the counter attack, Amidu connected with a cross from Diala Manaka on the right wing to head home from right in front of the goalmouth.
The home side could have stretched their lead shortly after the half-hour mark, when Xakane blasted his header over the crossbar, but they managed to hold their one-goal advantage going into the break.
Neither side took control in the second half, and Jean Mugananga wasted an opportunity for Leopards when he missed wide just five minutes after the interval.
At the other end, Thembela Sikhakhane's strike from outside the area was well handled by Maphaha.
Mongezi Bobe took advantage of the visiting side's numerous fluffed attempts when he tapped in from close range shortly before the hour mark to extend the lead.
Arrows continued to fight, however, and Bovu tried to pull one back soon after, but his effort was saved by Maphaha.
Lucky Nguzana scored for the visitors in the dying stages, netting from close range, and while Bobe hit the bar in injury time, the home side had done enough to secure a valuable win.