The DSTV Premiership encounter at the Old Peter Mokaba Stadium opened up early on as Pirates and Magesi traded chances.

Makhehlene Makhaula had the first big opportunity for the visitors but his curling long-range effort was well saved by Elvis Chipezeze.

Magesi answered back with a big chance of their own when Bafedile Baloyi launched a stinging volley just over the bar.

From then on, it was all Pirates as Jose Riveiro's men began to pile on the home side. The seemingly unending pressure told in the 39th minute when Lehlogonolo Mokone crossed the line and was sent off for a dangerous high challenge on Mohau Nkota.

This led to the Bucs being able to break the deadlock on the brink of half time as they used their numerical advantage to create some extra space for Relebohile Mofokeng to sink a lovely curling shot from the edge of the area.

Magesi should have been level before half time but Wonderboy Makhubo was unable to convert from the spot after they had been awarded a penalty.

Despite their advantage in numbers, Pirates were overly cautious after the break seeking to protect the lead rather than add to it, which allowed Magesi back into the game somewhat.

Tholang Masegela went agonisingly close to levelling the score in the 70th minute but his stinging shot from the edge of the area was athletically saved by Sipho Chaine.

Pirates should have secured the win in the dying minutes of the game but Boitumelo Radiopane was unable to hit the target with his header despite being completely unmarked.

In the end, the Bucs were able to hang on to their slender advantage as they reduced the gap to Mamelodi Sundowns at the top of the DSTV Premiership standings to just three points.

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Finished CSA Provincial One-Day Challenge Division One