Stars shoot down birds

Rustenberg - Bradley Grobler scored a brace as Platinum Stars secured their first win in seven games with a 2-0 thumping of log bottom Moroka Swallows in an Absa Premiership encounter at Moruleng Stadium on Saturday night.

Grobler scored twice in the second stanza to secure the victory as the Birds' woes continued with their fifth straight loss.

The home side started well, taking three shots at goal in the first 10 minutes, and remained in control for most of the match.

Swallows stayed in the game, however, and got their first real chance in the 19th minute when Keegan Ritchie fired a close range effort over the bar.

Grobler then missed two chances within quick succession, first missing left from the edge of the box, and then having a longe range shot parried away by Swallows goalkeeper Greg Etafia.

Giorgi Nergadze narrowly missed an opportunity to put the visitors ahead in the 37th minute, but Stars keeper Tapiwa Kapini pulled off a stunning save to ensure matters remained level at the break.

Stars continued to dominate in the second half and were rewarded when Phumelela Bengu brought down Lebo Ramolesa in the area and Grobler found the back of the net from the spot.

Grobler latched on to a cross from Ramolesa 10 minutes later to score his second and stretch the lead.

Swallows fought back desperately, with Ritchie's long range shot in the 80th minute tipped over the crossbar by Kapini.

Eight minutes later Shaun Haschick also came close for the visitors, but his effort soared over the bar and Stars bagged three valuable points.