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Heartland end Kwara United’s 3-game unbeaten run

Heartland Football Club of Owerri on Sunday in Ilorin at the Kwara Stadium came from a goal down to win 3-1 and end Kwara United’s three-game unbeaten run.

The hosts had gone ahead in the ninth minute through Ahmed Jimoh’s strike from a good use of a defensive error by the Naze Millionaires in the week four encounter.

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Kwara United’s lead however only lasted for three minutes as Mohammad Mohammed equalised for the visitors after they perfectly finished off a fantastic team play.

Mohammed was then to sustain an injury from a bad tackle at the far edge in the Kwara United half of the pitch and was replaced by Jimoh Oni.

Oni only spent a few minutes before putting the visitors in the lead in the 21st minute, capitalising on another bad defensive display from the host team.

Former Flying Eagles star, Bright Ejike, made it 3-1 for Heartland FC in the 29th minute, after John Ibe had dribbled through a porous Kwara United defence.

Heartland have now won three of their three games since the start of the season.

Their week one match, against defending champions Kano Pillars, is still outstanding.

They will now lock horns with Abia Warriors in Owerri on Wednesday in a week five fixture of the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL.

Kwara United on their part have won one, drawn two and lost one in four matches in the new season.

They visit 3SC of Ibadan on Wednesday at the Adamasingba Stadium.

The Ibadan club had their goalkeeper Akande Abiodun, to thank on Sunday as he helped them secure a valuable point on Sunday with a 0-0 draw against Nasarawa United FC at the Lafia Township Stadium.

The week four match in the 2014/2015 Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) was watched by a large crowd.

In the game’s first half, Abiodun made decisive saves to deny Nasarawa United players from taking the lead.

The goalkeeper continued with his impressive form in the second half, stopping the opposition from scoring and thereby ensuring that his side left the stadium with a point.

In an interview at the end of the match, the Chief Coach of 3SC, Franklin Howard, expressed delight at his side’s defensive performance.

He also singled out the goalkeeper for a special praise.

“I think the point we have gained here is so precious to me. I think the almighty God gave it to my team and I don’t know how to thank him.

“The players did very well and they deserve the point they are taking back home.

“The goalkeeper did so well and I am very impressed, but we must commend the entire team also for their composure,’’ the coach said.

The 0-0 draw however did not go down well with the home supporters who were sad and consequently barricaded the dressing room of the home team.

They then stopped the home team’s players and officials from leaving the stadium, until security agents intervened about 20 minutes later.

Results of matches played on Sunday

Kano Pillars 1-0 Enyimba

Bayelsa Utd 1-0 FC Taraba

Kwara Utd 1-3 Heartland

Lobi Stars 2-2 Sharks

Akwa Utd 1-0 Gabros FC

Rangers 0-1 Giwa FC

Abia Warriors 1-2 Wikki Tourists

Nasarawa Utd 0-0 Shooting Stars

Sunshine Stars 2-1 Dolphins

(NAN)

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