Orlando Pirates were victorious on the road as they beat Royal AM 4-0 in their DStv Premiership clash at Harry Gwala Stadium on Sunday.

The result stretches the Buccaneers’ winning run in the league to three matches, while they remain third in the standings with just five games left to play.

Coming up against KwaZulu-Natal opposition for a fourth game in as many weeks, the Soweto Giants were made to contend with a determined effort early on from the hosts, who were first to fire a shot at goal.

It was a fifth-minute opportunity spurned by Sedwyn George, who made his way into the Bucs’ penalty area but could only send his shot off target from close range.

Pirates however controlled possession throughout most of the opening quarter, making regular entry into opposition territory. They had a chance of their own in the 12th minute when Patrick Maswanganyi latched onto a loose ball just outside the box before firing straight at Royal AM keeper Mondli Mpoto.

Thalente Mbatha followed this up with another long-range effort seven minutes later, but his shot did not trouble the Thwihli Thwahla shot-stopper as it landed well off target. The chance for a breakthrough came just before the half-hour mark when the visitors were awarded a penalty after a foul on Maswanganyi.

The Bucs midfielder dusted himself up to take the spot kick, making no mistake in finding the bottom corner despite Mpoto’s best efforts at keeping the ball out.

Thwihli Thwahla’s response was a spirited one as they immediately set about finding the equaliser, and a storming run from Khetukuthula Ndlovu nearly produced the goods when he cut inside from the left flank before dragging his shot wide.

Their best chance to draw level came on the stroke of halftime via a free kick taken by George on the edge of the penalty area. He was denied by a vital touch from Bucs keeper Melusi Buthelezi, who tipped the ball onto the crossbar to keep the visitors ahead at the break.