SuperSport United weathered a second half storm from Free State Stars to claim a hard fought 1-0 win in their Absa Premiership match at Goble Park on Saturday afternoon.

The result temporarily moves 'Matsatsantsa' up to second on the standings and coach Gavin Hunt will be delighted that his depleted team showed such character to hold out for a precious away victory.

SuperSport dominated the opening exchanges, with Anthony Laffor signalling their attacking intent with an ambitious effort from a tight angle that dipped just over the crossbar in the eighth minute.

On 13 minutes the Tshwane side took the lead. A training ground free kick routine from the edge of the penalty area saw defender Ricardo Katza shoot low through the defensive wall and find the bottom corner of the net.

Stars looked to get back in the game, with striker Sthembiso Ngcobo heading on target in the 24th minute, but his effort lacked the power needed to beat goalkeeper Emille Baron.

Two minutes later Mpho Makola swung in a good cross direct from a free kick that found the head of Ngcobo, but the Stars man couldn?t get over his effort and saw the ball rocket over the bar.

By this stage the home side had well and truly shifted the momentum of the match in their favour and United looked rather nervy at the back, particularly in the 29th minute when it took a brave punch from Baron and a desperate block from Davis Nkausu to hold Stars at bay.

On 31 minutes Laffor teed up a perfect cross for Dario Monteiro but the Mozambican headed over from 10 yards out when he really should have doubled SuperSport's lead.

The second half was much less eventful than the first. It took 20 minutes until a chance of genuine potential was created: SuperSport's Jabu Maluleke saw his 65th minute half volley brilliantly saved by Kennedy Mweene in the Stars goal.

Two minutes later Ngcobo connected well with a volley about 20 yards from goal but he pulled the shot side of Baron?s posts. United were under the cosh but their defence bravely fought off everything 'Ea Lla Koto' could throw at them.

In the 88th minute Stars almost found an equaliser with a powerful header from Ngcobo, but Baron made an excellent save to keep his side's lead intact. There were a few further nervy moments for United but they showed immense determination to hold out for a clean sheet.