Stars stun Bloem Celtic

Johannesburg - Platinum Stars picked up only their fourth win of the season, easing their relegation woes with a 1-0 Premiership victory over Bloemfontein Celtic at Botshabelo Stadium on Sunday.

Innocent Mkhabela connected with a cross from Thuso Phala on the right wing in the 62nd minute, blasting in a left-footed strike to put the visitors ahead.

Stars dominated a sedate first half, with Mkhabela coming closest in first-half injury time when he thundered an effort over the crossbar.

And while Celtic fought back near the end, the visitors fought hard for the much-needed win.

Phala had a chance of his own with seven minutes left, but he fired over from the edge of the area, and while they wasted a few opportunities throughout the game, Stars held on for the win.

Papi Zothwane fired a header over the bar in an effort to find the equaliser for Celtic and Luyanda Bacela also missed for the hosts shortly before the final whistle.

Nathan Paulse nearly doubled the advantage for Stars in injury time, but he missed inches to the right.