NFD clubs from both the Coastal and Inland Streams got their 2009 programmes off to a flying start and with just eight games left, the battle to either win promotion to the elite PSL or avoid the dreaded drop into the Vodacom Second Division is intensifying.

Significantly, there were victories for the two bottom clubs, Nathi Lions and Dynamos, who showed great determination to stay up by overcoming Ikapa Sporting and Witbank Spurs, respectively.

In fact, although Lions grabbed all three points with a last-gasp 93rd minute goal against Sergio dos Santos's high-flying team, they can also thank opposition striker Carlo Scott for missing three easy opportunities at the King Zwelithini on Friday afternoon.

In Saturday's action, Pat Malabela's side Dynamos downed Witbank Spurs in a five-goal thriller, which had the fans at Ackerville Stadium on the edge of their seats until the final whistle. The score was 3-2.

Lions moved off the foot of the log and overtook Durban Stars who lost 2-0 to FC Cape Town at Blue Downs, but Dynamos remain rooted in the relegation zone after financially troubled FCAK picked up a precious point with their 1-1 away draw against Tuks.

And it is interesting to note that both Free State outfits, Carara Kicks and African Warriors, lead the way in the Coastal Stream after victories against Cape Town clubs.

Kicks beat Hanover Park 1-0 at Parow Park, thanks to a fierce first half strike by Akeem Olubambiro, while Warriors cruised to a 4-0 win over Vasco da Gama at the Charles Mopeli Stadium.

Kicks are now four points ahead of both Warriors and FC Cape Town, and in the Inland Stream, with leaders, Winners Park, losing 1-0 at home to Black Aces and Jomo Cosmos sharing the points during a goalless draw with Black Leopards, Tuks head the log on goal difference, just a point ahead of Cosmos.