Golden Arrows clinched all three points from a gallant Black Leopards in a 6-goal thriller encounter played at the Princess Magogo Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Dillon Sheppard put the hosts in front in the sixth minute after Siyabonga Nkosi put him through on goal. The winger took a touch before finding the back of the net with his left-footed strike.

Leopards put everything into attack and pushed for the equaliser, they were rewarded four minutes before the break as Kingston Nkhatha's cross from the left flank found Mongezi Bobe who headed home at the far post.

Heading into the break at 1-1, Leopards were displaying even more vigour and seemed to be in contention to get something from the game. However, that soon changed as Arrows surged ahead in the second half.

Sheppard turned provider in the 50th minute as he set up Collins Mbesuma, who flicked the ball into the bottom right corner of the goal with the outside of his foot.

Only nine minutes later, Abafana Bes'thende were two goals clear. Philani Shange's cross found Thamsanqa Gabuza, who hit it first time from the edge of the area to make it 3-1.

Arrows: Andre Petim, Mzuvukile Tom, Musa Bilankulu, Siyanda Zwane, Robyn Johannes, Siyabonga Nkosi (Thamsanqa Gabuza 45'), Philani Shange, Elrio van Heerden, Thanduyise Khuboni, Dillon Sheppard (Sibusiso Hadebe 80'), Collins Mbesuma (Clifford Ngobeni 73').

Leopards: Thabang Maluleke, Moses Kwena, Nkosiyabo Xakane, Siphiwe Mkhonza (Sighamanele Sighoole 72'), Vincent Mabusela, Thabo Mongalo (Rodney Ramagalela 67'), Samuel Mabunda, Luyolo Mapolisa, Benedict Vilakazi (Benedict Vilakazi 57'), Mongezi Bobe, Kingston Nkhatha.

Goals: Dillon Sheppard (Arrows 5'), Mongezi Bobe (Leopards 41'), Collins Mbesuma (Arrows 50'), Thamsanqa Gabuza (Arrows 59'), Philani Shange (Arrows 63'), Luyolo Mapolisa (Leopards 87')