DURBAN – The relegation-haunted Highlandspark Silver Stars moved two steps up the log by beating Manning Rangers 3-1 in their thrilling Castle Premiership League match that was played at the Chatsworth Stadium in Durban on Saturday.

The victory has raised hopes for the Limpopo side to survive the relegation that has been haunting them from the beginning of the season. Silver Stars enjoyed more ball possession in the game and the results were a true reflection of the game.

The visitors took the lead in the 26th minute when the defender of Rangers, Paul O'Neil, deflected the ball back into his own net while trying to clear Mduduzi Kunene's shot. Rangers missed two clear chances before the break. Bongeni Phakathi saw his ball sail harmlessly over the bar when the game was 40 minutes old.

He missed the target once again, two minutes thereafter. The homeside introduced Gideon Noge and Abram Isaacs for Collen Powell and Bongeni Phakahti respectively, but the move did not change the complexion of the game, as the Stars continued to dominate the proceedings.

Stars' second goal came from Masanabo, after he had received a neat pass from Edward Williams in the 56th minute. Three minutes thereafter the referee, Simon Motau, booked Edward Williams for tackling Edson Mhinga the rough way.

Stars put the matters beyond doubt in the 70th minute, when Keketso Mmotong beat the Rangers defence and blasted in a rocket. Rangers effected another change to their original team later in the game. Edson Mhinga scored their solitary goal in the 86th minute.