As is the reality for relegated teams, Free State Stars' 2018/19 statistics don't make for a good reading at all.

Sowetan breaks down their dismal season by looking at two main factors that contributed to their demotion to the second tier.

Leaking goals

Ea Lla Koto conceded 47 goals, the most in the Absa Premier Soccer League; and out of 30 matches, they kept just three clean sheets which was earlier in the season against Highlands Park, Baroka and Bloemfontein Celtic.

Two of those matches were at home. Stars scored 31 goals, which is an average of one per match and that's better than six teams, but they let themselves down by failing to close the opposition. That proved to be their undoing.

Poor at home

At one stage they lost four matches in a row in their own backyard - against SuperSport United, Orlando Pirates, Bidvest Wits and Chippa United.

For many teams, going to Goble Park, Free State, has always been a difficult trip, but this time six opponents managed to win there.

Stars were also poor away, but they've always been a difficult side to beat at home.

When they finished sixth last season, they won six, drew six and lost just three at home.

This season, they won four, drew five and lost six at home. So last season they got 24 points at home and this time, managed only 17 - and that clearly affected their season.

Last 10 teams to suffer automatic relegation

2018/19: Free State Stars

2017/18: Ajax Cape Town

2016/17: Highlands Park

2015/16: Jomo Cosmos

2014/15: AmaZulu

2013/14: Golden Arrows

2012/13: Black Leopards

2011/12: Jomo Cosmos

2010/11: Vasco da Gama

2009/10: Jomo Cosmos