Under-fire Highlanders coach Mohammed Fathi can breathe better after his team’s 4-1 thumping win over visiting Douglas Warriors on Sunday – although his team remains 20 points adrift of the leaders.

Eric Mudzingwa opened the scoring before the outstanding Joel Ngodzo weighed in with a brace. Menard Mupera applied the coup de grace to render Milton Kurewa’s strike after 51 minutes a flimsy face saver.

Highlanders have not scored more than a goal in a match all season, and Fathi will be hoping the win gives his team the impetus to save their season, with the Premier League title surely out of their reach.

Also moving up are Moses Chunga’s CAPS United who beat FC Victoria 3-0 -- their third consecutive victory since axing coach Lloyd Chitembwe.

United shot stopper Edmore Sibanda gave Chunga’s men the lead as he curled in a 13th minute free kick. Pride Tafirenyika grabbed a second before Douglas Walaza found the target for a third – United’s biggest win since their 3-1 victory over Highlanders in May.

The win lifted United to sixth on the table – although they stay 17 points adrift of Motor Action who are steaming ahead after digging out a 1-0 win at the Colliery over Hwange.

Allan Gahadzikwa grabbed the Mighty Bulls’ winner, sending them 12 points clear of closest challengers Dynamos who have played four games less due to their Champions League engagements.

Meanwhile Sunday’s clash between Shooting Stars and Eagles failed to take off because there were no police officers at the ground.

Highlanders 4-1 Douglas Warriors, Caps United 3-0 FC Victoria, Hwange 0-1 Motor Action, Shooting Stars-Eagles (match not played due to absence of police at Gwanzura Stadium)