Golden Arrows coach Clinton Larsen says he’s proud of  the fighting spirit his side displayed during their 2-0 victory over Highlands Park on Saturday.

Goals by Knox Mutizwa and Kudakwashe Mahachi cancelled out Suprise Moriri’s 80th-minute penalty to help Abafana Bes’thende claim all three points at the Chatsworth Stadium.

The 46-year-old coach believes his side dominated the first half after opening their account in the 28th minute, but he admits that the Lions of the North made it difficult for them to play in the second half.

‘As expected, Highlands Park came and fought as if their lives depended on it. We dominated and controlled proceedings in the first half, taking the lead through Mutizwa after some great build up play,’ Larsen told the Golden Arrows website.

‘The 2nd half was not very pleasing on the eye as we were bombarded with long balls into our box. Our central defenders, as well as our goalkeeper, competed for everything under very difficult circumstances.’

The former Bloemfontein Celtic coach went on to praise Mahachi after he netted from the penalty spot to double his side’s lead and secure all three points.

‘We conceded a late penalty, but immediately rallied back to score the winner through a great Mahachi strike,’ he added.

‘Once again very proud of the fighting spirit displayed by our team.’

Abafana Bes’thende are now placed sixth in the Absa Premiership standings with 30 points, and have won eight out of 22 matches played so far this season, trailing fifth-place Mamelodi Sundowns by four points.

Golden Arrows will travel to the Lucas Moripe Stadium when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns in the next round of the Nedbank Cup on Saturday.

Kick-off has been set for 15:00.