Fortune's (24 points) cause was further helped by the fact that log-leaders Avendale Athletico (27 points) suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of Maritzburg United in KZN.

Avendale, who finished in second place during the last two seasons, were threatening to run away with the league a few weeks ago, but since then they have come unstuck against the teams from KZN - starting with a 2-2 draw against Maritzburg City, followed by a 2-0 reverse to Durban Stars and culminating in this week's loss to United.

This had allowed the chasing pack to close in and former PSL outfit Bush Bucks (23 points), have also taken advantage of Avendale's slip up to move to within four points of the top of the league, although they would have been disappointed at not taking more than a point from their 0-0 draw with Premier United in Newcastle.

The race at the top of the Inland First Division is also hotting up with four teams still firmly in the running for earning promotion to the PSL.

Free State Stars (41 points) and Bloemfontein Celtic (37), who both finished close runners up to Silver Stars in last season's campaign, are once again heading the pack.

They are joined in the top four by Pietersburg Pillars(37)  and another Free State side, Bloemfontein Young Tigers (35).

All four teams proved that they intend taking the title race to the wire by recording victories on the weekend.

Stars scored a 2-0 away win over Dangerous Darkies at the Kanyamazane Stadium, Celtic beat Sporting by the same margin in Bloemfontein, Pillars also won by two goals away to City Sharks at the Katlehong Stadium while Tigers also won away from home by accounting for Ledwaba Power Stars in a 2-1 victory.