Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen has labelled his side’s 1-0 victory over Free State Stars in the Absa Premiership as ‘a gutsy away performance’.

Abafana Bes’thende clinched a late victory over Ea Lla Koto after Lehlohonolo Nonyane’s stoppage-time winner at Goble Park on Wednesday.

Larsen says his side had ample opportunities to score throughout the match but failed to convert their final efforts in front of goal.

‘We knew very well beforehand how difficult this game would be. Our plan to play on the break worked as we had three great opportunities to score,’ Larsen told the Golden Arrows website.

‘Again our final pass let us down at key moments in transition. Our defence again looked solid as our opponents resorted mostly to long-range shots.

The former Bloemfontein Celtic coach says came out strong in the second half but lacked the eye for goal, however, his side may have won the match but he was not impressed by Abafana Bes’thende’s performance.

‘In the second half Lamola, Phiri, Sibiya, and Nonyane again had good opportunities but we failed to convert,’ he added.

‘We finally got our breakthrough when a well-executed set-piece in injury-time did the trick as Nonyane converted from close range. Not pretty by any means but a gutsy away performance.’

The win lifted Abafana Bes’thende to third on the Absa Premiership table, one point behind joint-leaders Orlando Pirates and Bidvest Wits.

Golden Arrows will travel to the Dr Molemela Stadium when they face Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday.

Kick-off has been set for 15:00.