Orlando Pirates extended their unbeaten run in the Absa Premiership after securing a 3-1 victory over Highlands Park at the Orlando Stadium on Saturday, reports DYLAN APPOLIS.

The Buccaneers came into this encounter after extending their unbeaten run to six matches in the league following their 1-0 victory over Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the Lions of the North arrived after suffering back-to-back defeats at the hands of Kaizer Chiefs and Stellenbosch FC.

Pirates got off to the perfect start and managed to break the deadlock as early as the sixth minute when Thembinkosi Lorch found the back of the net with a clinical first-time finish.

The home side managed to double their lead four minutes later after Gabadinho Mhango slotted the ball home with a neat finish from a tight angle.

At the other end, Highlands struggled to carve out any real chance in the final third, failing to break down the Pirates defence.

The Buccaneers then extended their lead just before the break when Paseko Mako unleashed a powerful strike to find the net from the edge of the area.

Highlands came out with intent in the second half and nearly pulled a goal back in the 68th minute when Rodney Ramagalela forced Wayne Sandilands into making a great reflex save to deny the striker’s header.

The Lions of the North eventually managed to pull a goal back in the 80th minute after Mlungisi Mbunjana intercepted from Fortune Makaringe before firing the ball past past Sandilands.

However, Pirates managed to hold on to their lead over Highlands until the final whistle to claim all three points.