A second half striker from Vincent Pule was enough to hand Orlando Pirates a 1-0 win over Maritzburg United on Wednesday evening as the Soweto giants took a big step towards the Absa Premiership title.

Pirates came into the game looking to extend their lead at the top of the table to three points after title rivals Mamelodi Sundowns drew level on points with the Sea Robbers after their win over Chippa on Tuesday.

Maritzburg on the other hand were desperate for points but for a whole different reason as they looked to claw their way to safety.

It was the visitors though that got off to a good start as Thembinkosi Lorch hit a thunderous volley with just two minutes gone, but it was straight at Richard Ofori in the Maritzburg goal.

It was proving to be an open game with both teams having a go and it was the Team of Choice who went close when debutant Simphiwe Hlongwane found space in the box but his deflected shot went wide.

Milutin Sredojevic’s men were almost gifted the lead in the 13th minute when Brian Onyan underhit his back pass to Ofori. Vincent Pule pounced on the loose ball before squaring it to Lorch, who looked as if he would tap in to an empty net but was denied by a brilliant goal-saving block from Nazeer Allie.

Both sides were trading blows as first Hlongwane brought a good save out of Wayne Sandilands before Pule went close for the visitors from a tight angle.

Neither side though could find a way to goal before half-time as it was scoreless at the break.

Pirates looked to impose themselves on the opposition in the second stanza but were often guilty of overplaying in the final third.

The pressure finally took its toll on Eric Tinkler’s men as the Soweto giants finally took the lead in the 66th minute. Some intricate link-up play by Luvuyo Memela, Lorch and Justin Shonga saw Pirates find space down the flanks before the ball was whipped across the face of goal leaving Pule with a tap in.

Maritzburg were not going to lie down and almost hit back instantly as Judas Moseamedi forced Sandilands.

The Team of Choice continued to look for a way back into the game but it was not forthcoming a Pirates held on for a vital three points in their title pursuit, while Maritzburg’s survivals hopes took another massive blow.