NPFL: BAYELSA UNITED’S LATE GOALS HOLD HEARTLAND IN OWERRI
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Bayelsa United fought from Two goals down to equalize in the MatchDay 8 rescheduled fixture at the Dan Ayiam Stadium in Owerri.
A must win game for both sides started in a frantic pace as Youngster John Bassey of Bayelsa United missed a glorious chance when he was put through on goal by Robert Mizo only to shoot wide off target.
The Home side against the run of play in the 11th minute of the game got their selves in front as Promise Anyanwu bundled in a corner kick to give Heartland the lead.
Bayelsa United despite falling behind early in the game produce one of their best performance of the season so far as they pushed forward in search for an equalizer and should have gotten it when an unmarked John Bassey failed to direct his header on target.
Coach Christian Obi of Heartland not satisfied with his side’s performance despite the lead, made two changes as Opara Chijoke and Clement Ogbobe was brought in for Austin Osayande and Ifeanyi Anyanwu on the 40th minute of the game and they held onto their lead to finish the first half 1-0.
With the hope of securing his One goal advantage, Coach Obi made and another double early in the second half as Goal scorer Promise Anyanwu and the energetic Samuel Stone were replaced by the duo of Francis Erikan and Fabian Omaka.
Despite the changes, it was the visitors that controled proceedings to the delight of the spectators. But the visitors were made to rue their missed chances when Midfielder Chinedu Ike pounced on a loosed ball from a long throw to increase his side’s lead.
The Technical Crew of Bayelsa United brought in Ekeson Okorie for John Bassey and Magbisa Wisdom replaced Jawad Mustapha for his first action of the season. And the latter wasted no time in making an impact as his corner Kick was headed down by Robert Mizo for another substitute Ofem Nneoyi who was earlier brought in for Stephen Wisdom to halve the deficit.
Thirty seconds after the restart, Bayelsa United leveled the score as Top Scorer Robert Mizo finished from a tight angle after the Heartland defence failed to clear a Wisdom Magbisa’s cross to make it 2-2. That was Robert Mizo’s Seventh goal of the season in his Sixth appearance this season.
The Naze Millionaires came out to search for the winner but they duo of Ogundare Arise and Captain Gabriel Biriduba was equal to the task.
The few spectators in attendance due to the game being played behind closed door applauded the Prosperity Boys after the sound of the Centre Referee’s whistle to end the game.
Bayelsa United’s Stand in Coach Okara praised his players duggedness for not giving up despite being in a precarious situation in the game. He added that though his team should have been in front even before conceding the first goal, but he was very happy with the result and point in an away game and he hopes it will give his side confidence for the remainder of their away games this season.
Bayelsa United will take on Sunshine Stars of Akure at the Samson Siasia Stadium while Heartland will travel to the Onikan Stadium in Lagos to take on Sporting Lagos this weekend.
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