By Promise Etim on August 7, 2016

Chidiebere Ajoku's 35th minute header sealed a crucial win for relegation-threatened Heartland FC at home to visiting Nasarawa United FC of Lafia, in a match day 30 fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League game played at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri on Saturday.

Ajoku's goal was celebrated with limited chants from the home bench and few accredited journalists in a seemingly empty stadium. The Owerri side were observing the first of three match ban handed fans of the club, following crowd trouble in the match day 28 fixture against FC Ifeanyiubah of Nnewi.

Heartland dropped Emmanuel Iwu and Brownbraye Okpus from the startlist, but fielded Omo Johnson and Bright Ejike. Tayo Fabiyi and Bature Yaro were surprisingly left on the bench by Nasarawa United coach, Kabiru Dogo.

The home side almost took the lead in the 4th minute, when Bright Ejike was sent clear by Omo Johnson, but the striker’s effort from a one on one situation, was perfectly saved by Suraj Ayeleso.

Johnson taught he had given his side the lead in the 20th minute, when his strike got the better of Suraj, only to be ruled out for offside.

Midway through the first half, Ajoku's brilliant volley, six yards out, struck the underside of the woodwork, but Zoumbia Doumbia's header from the resultant rebound, was cleared off the line by Emmanuel Makama.

Heartland finally got the breakthrough in the 35th minute, when Ajoku headed home Abubakar Jika's cross, to round off a scintillating first half.

Suraj's error in the 53rd minute almost gifted the home side a second goal, but Makama's swift intervention proved vital, as the Owerri side settled for a corner.

Imminent danger was averted in the 70th minute by Heartland. Ebele Obi's quick reaction spared his side the blushes, as Macmarcel Obioha’s poorly timed back pass almost went into his own net.

Heartland’s Abubakar missed a gracious opportunity to double his side’s advantage in added time, when he blazed above the woodwork from six yards.

Despite the win, Heartland FC remain 18th on the log, with 33 points from 28 games. Nasarawa United slip to 9th, eight points behind leaders, Enugu Rangers, who are not in action this weekend. (npfl.ng)

•Photo shows Heartland players celebrating a goal.

Source Daily Sports

Posted August 7, 2016

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