Giyani Hotspurs deposited full points into their league account when they beat the well-respected Phungo All Stars 2-1 in a Safa Second Division clash that was decided at the Makhado (Louis Trichardt) Rugby Stadium on Saturday.

Spurs were strong at the far back and in the striking force departments, but they lacked cohesion in the middle of the park. The balls that threatened the defence of Stars were mostly ballooned from behind.

The visiting team enjoyed more ball possession, but their promising moves were foiled by the good defence of Stars. The teams were evenly matched  throughout the first half. Stars kept on cooling down the ball in the middle of the park, thus giving their opponents no chance to do as they pleased.

Akane Banda of Spurs was the first player to taste success when he scored from a free kick. This followed after Stars' defender, Lloyd Davhana, pulled Vongani  Bvuma at the back and the referee awarded a free kick. Their celebration was cut short when Stars equalised via Justice Rasebotsa. The half-time score was 1-1.

In the second half, both sides tried new options by using all their substitutes. The centre back of Spurs, Nhleko Ntlemo, went into the referee's bookafter a dangerous tackle on Hulisani Mathugana.

Stars were unlucky not to score in the 73rd minute when they were awarded a free kick at the edge of the penalty box. Khumbudzo "Shavy" Muvhango was brought down on the brink of scoring. Ramudzuli Bulanga's shot, however, was a little wide.

The goal that earned Spurs three vital points came in 77th minute. Thabo Ramunyaphi scored his team's second goal and caught the keeper, Rendani Maduwa, flat footed.

Spurs' Joseph Mathabatha was cautioned for wasting time late in the match and the captain of Stars, Hulisani Mathugana, left the pitch at the back of an ambulance after he was injured late in the match.