Highlands Park secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Free State Stars at Goble Park in the Absa Premiership on Sunday.

The match started with a good tempo in the opening stages of the match as Highlands had Stars on the back foot, but struggled to carve out any real clear-cut chances in the final third.

The Lions of the North came close to breaking the deadlock in the 28th minute when Brandon Theron rattled the woodwork from 20 yards out with his powerful strike at goal.

Neither side could carve out any clear-cut opportunities at goal, with Stars yet to register a single effort on target in 70 minutes.

Ea Lla Koto  nearly broke the deadlock in the 74th minute when Sinethemba Jantjie beat his marker, before picking out Mohammed Anas, who struck the post from close range.

However, Highlands took the lead in the 87th minute when Mothobi Mvala headed the ball into the back of the net at the far post, following a long throw in, as his side collected all three points.

Meanwhile, Polokwane City and Baroka were forced to share the spoils after playing out to a goalless draw at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.