TS Galaxy moved out of the DStv Premiership relegation zone with a 1-0 win over Orlando Pirates on Monday, the Buccaneers now without a goal in their past three league games as they dropped more points in the race for a second-place finish.

The Sea Robbers came into the game in search of winning ways after two goalless draws in the league with relegation-threatened Baroka and Chippa United.

Pirates started on the front foot and had a golden chance to break the deadlock with just nine minutes gone as Terrence Dzvukamanja snatched up a loose ball at the far post, but he couldn’t keep his effort from close range down.

The visitors continued to look the likelier to score and came close again on the half hour mark as Happy Jele rose highest at a corner, but his glancing header flew narrowly wide.

Then, against the run of play, the home side took the lead moments later as Lifa Hlongwane tapped into the net after getting on the end of a cut-back from Lindokuhle Mbatha following a counter-attack from Galaxy.

The goal seemed to fill the home side with belief as they had the ball in the back of the net through Sphiwe Mahlangu just before half time, but the goal was ruled out for an offside in the buildup.

Sead Ramović’s side had a chance to double their lead just after the interval 2-0 as Pirates keeper Richard Ofori was quick off his line to smother a point-blank shot from Orebotse Mongae, who was through on goal.

The Sea Robbers then took control as they went in search of the equaliser with Thembinkosi Lorch coming close to levelling matters in the 65th minute, but his low strike from the edge of the box flew just wide.

The Soweto giants were in full control, but Galaxy were holding on for their lives and defended valiantly as they managed to keep Pirates at bay and walk away with a vital three points in their fight for survival.

The loss leaves Pirates in fourth and makes a second-place finish unlikely.