Rustenburg - Platinum Stars climbed to the top half of the table after a Bradley Grobler hat-trick guided them to a 3-1 Absa Premiership victory over Mpumalanga Black Aces at Royal Bafokeng Stadium on Wednesday night.
Aces remained rooted to the bottom of the table with only two wins from 18 games.
The visitors took the first chance of the game when Mark Eberle shot from outside the area in the 11th minute, but sent his effort wide.
In the 26th minute, Grobler had an opportunity to give the hosts the lead, but Aces’ goalkeeper Francis Chansa kept it out.
Seven minutes later, however, Grobler made no mistake when he converted a penalty after Thabang Rooi was sent off for bringing down Joseph Malongoane.
In the dying minutes of the first half, Grobler latched on to a pass from Lebo Ramolesa and found the back of the net again to give the hosts a 2-0 lead at the break.
Aces returned with intent after the break, with Manqoba Ngwenya's header going over the bar in the 57th minute, shortly before Benedict Vilakazi missed right from long range.
Grobler regained the momentum for the home side four minutes later to secure his hat-trick with a shot from outside the area.
Both sides had more chances in the second half, but neither converted any until David Mathebula connected with a cross from James Madidilane to score a consolation goal for Aces in injury time. - Sapa