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Johannesburg - Moroka Swallows eased their relegation woes with a 3-1 win over Free State Stars in an Absa Premiership clash at Goble Park in Bethlehem on Saturday.
The Birds secured their seventh win of the season, but nonetheless face a tough challenge in their last two matches to ensure themselves a place in the top-flight next season.
Stars started the game more sprightly, hitting the woodwork twice through Aleni Lebyane in the opening five minutes.
Swallows nonetheless took the early lead through Siyabonga Nomvethe, who scored a penalty in the sixth minute after Stars's Paulus Masehe handled the ball in the area.
Soon after finding the opener, Swallows could have doubled their margin but midfielder Lefa Tsutsulupa's set piece narrowly missed the lanky outstretched leg of Malian forward Cheick Cisse.
Ea Lla Kkoto found the equaliser with a penalty of their own in the 37th minute with defender Vuyo Mere adjudged to have fouled midfielder Mpho Makola.
Stars goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene stepped up to slot it in past his opposite number, Greg Etafia, to level the scores.
The hosts should have taken the lead early in the second half with winger Thabo Matlaba drawing a splendid save from Etafia.
The introduction of fullback Keegan Ritchie and forward Bradley Ritson on the hour mark brought some stability to the Birds who went on to take control.
Defender Ashraf Hendricks headed in their second in the 73rd minute from a corner kick after finding himself unmarked to net a rare goal.
Four minutes later, Ritson netted from close range to secure victory for the former Soweto giants.
The Birds secured their seventh win of the season, but nonetheless face a tough challenge in their last two matches to ensure themselves a place in the top-flight next season.
Stars started the game more sprightly, hitting the woodwork twice through Aleni Lebyane in the opening five minutes.
Swallows nonetheless took the early lead through Siyabonga Nomvethe, who scored a penalty in the sixth minute after Stars's Paulus Masehe handled the ball in the area.
Soon after finding the opener, Swallows could have doubled their margin but midfielder Lefa Tsutsulupa's set piece narrowly missed the lanky outstretched leg of Malian forward Cheick Cisse.
Ea Lla Kkoto found the equaliser with a penalty of their own in the 37th minute with defender Vuyo Mere adjudged to have fouled midfielder Mpho Makola.
Stars goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene stepped up to slot it in past his opposite number, Greg Etafia, to level the scores.
The hosts should have taken the lead early in the second half with winger Thabo Matlaba drawing a splendid save from Etafia.
The introduction of fullback Keegan Ritchie and forward Bradley Ritson on the hour mark brought some stability to the Birds who went on to take control.
Defender Ashraf Hendricks headed in their second in the 73rd minute from a corner kick after finding himself unmarked to net a rare goal.
Four minutes later, Ritson netted from close range to secure victory for the former Soweto giants.
