Hosts Bloemfontein Celtic racked up a 3-1 win over AmaZulu in a Premier Soccer League encounter at Seisa Ramabodu Stadium on Wednesday night.

Clinton Larsen's troops were desperate for a victory in their own backyard after losing their opening match of the season against Ajax Cape Town.

The first stanza of the game started on an upbeat tempo with both teams searching for an early lead.

The home side, however, exerted more pressure, forcing the visitors to fall back on defence.

In the 14th minute a header from AmaZulu's new striker,Lehlohonolo Mojoro, was denied, and the first goal of the game came through Celtic's Thokozani Mshengu.

With the ball deflecting off Sboniso Gumede, Mshengu made no mistake and slotted home in the 19th minute, beating AmaZulu goalkeeper Thembalethu Moses.

In the 27th minute Ayanda Dlamini found the back of the net, but his goal was ruled offside by referee Faiek Daniels.

From a quick conter-attack, however, Mshengu made a brilliant pass which was finished by Celtic striker Moses Spandeel in the 37th minute, giving the hosts a 2-0 lead at half-time.

Usuthu woke from their slumber in the second half, showing signs of seeking an equaliser, but were disappointed when Spandeel completed a brace in the 59th minute after receiving a perfect pass from Prince Hlela.

AmaZulu fought back, and were rewarded when former Celtic midfielder Ntokozo Sikhakhane took a corner amd the ball was handled in the box. Sikhakhane took advantage to score from the resultant penalty, reducing the deficit to 3-1 in the 76th minute.

Just two minutes after that consolation goal, AmaZulu striker Dlamini missed a beautiful header which should have diminished the lead even further.