Famous victory for Celtic

Bloemfontein – Bloemfontein Celtic scored one of their most famous victories when they defeated Castle Premiership leaders Orlando Pirates 1-0 in a pulsating Castle Premiership clash played at the Free State stadium last night. Celtic led 1-0 at halftime.

The foundations for the win were laid by Celtic’s uncompromising defence. It was a gutsy display and the home side earned their three points the hard way.

It was only the second time Bucs have been beaten in the league this season. However, Bucs are still eight point ahead of second-placed Kaizer Chiefs who have two matches in hand.

Pirates were on top in the first half playing at a furious pace, but they fell behind to a Fees Moloi goal in the final minute of the half. Moloi connected a pass from Collins Chabalala and managed to beat keeper Francis Chansa with a clinical finish.

Earlier, Chabalala was foiled by Chansa when the tall Celtic striker was through in the second minute with only Chansa to beat. But the wide-awake ‘keeper won this duel.

Bucs midfielder Benedict Vilakazi wasted a chance to open the scoring in the 11th minute when he was set up with a great cross form Joseph Makhanya but the diminutive midfielder lost control of the ball.

Pirates striker Tyren Arendse was wide in the 15th minute and 10 minutes later Celtic ‘keeper Vincent Ongandzi did well to deny the Bucs striker a goal. Then it was Vilakazi’s turn to miss the target in the 32nd minute as Pirates piled on the pressure.

But to their credit Celtic stuck to the task by hitting Pirates on the counter attack and that ploy reaped rewards when Moloi netted seconds before the halftime whistle.

Chabalala should have made it 2-0 four minutes into the second half but with the goal at his mercy he shot wide of the target.

Pirates battled hard to get back into the game but were not allowed to settle down by the hard tackling home side who were roared on by a massive home support.

� MOROKA Swallows kept their unbeaten record intact this season at the Rand stadium when they scored a 1-0 win over Silver Stars.

� IN Durban, Golden Arrows shoved Bush Bucks closer to relegation when they trounced them 3-1.