Bloemfontein Celtic returned to winning ways after claiming a 2-1 victory over Golden Arrows in the Absa Premiership on Sunday afternoon, writes DYLAN APPOLIS.

Celtic came out with more intent in the opening exchanges of the match as Dean Hotto produced tthe first opportunity in the sixth minute, but he failed to beat Abafana Besthende goalkeeper Nkosingiphile Gumede in the final third.

Gumede came to his sides rescue in the 16th minute when he made a fine save to deny Lerato Lamola’s effort at goal.

However, Siwelele eventually broke the deadlock in the 29th minute as Mbhazima Rikhotso played Victor Letsoalo through on goal before slotting the ball into the net to make it 1-0.

Phunya Sele Sele then doubled their lead just before the half time break when Hotto fired his effort into the net from 16-yards out to make it 2-0.

Celtic shot-stopper Patrick Tignyemb came to his sides rescue when he produced a double save to deny Lorenzo Gordinho from finding his own net, and then Knox Mutizwa’s effort on the rebound.

Arrows then reduced the deficit to 2-1 in the 69th minute after substitute Thomas Chideu pulled a goal back with 20 minutes left to play.

Danny Venter nearly levelled matters ten minutes later when he unleashed a vemonous strike from distance, but his effort sailed wide of the target.

Arrows continued to push forward in search of an equaliser in the closing stages of the match, but were unable to break down the Celtic defence as they held on to their 2-1 lead until the final whistle.

In other Absa Premiership results:

AmaZulu 0-2 Chippa United