Source : WordNet®

make headway
     v : obtain advantages, such as points, etc.; "The home team was
         gaining ground"; "After defeating the Knicks, the Blazers
         pulled ahead of the Lakers in the battle for the
         number-one playoff berth in the Western Conference" [syn:
          {gain}, {advance}, {win}, {pull ahead}, {get ahead}, {gain
         ground}] [ant: {fall back}]