Heartland Queens wrapped up the season’s campaign on high with a hard-fought 1-0 win against hardfighters, Royal Queens on Wednesday, April 19 at the mainbowl of Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri.
A penalty in the 37th minute and well converted by the side’s former captain, Ugobest Osuji proved decisive to help the Owerri mainstream side achieve a double over the Warri-based side, Royal Queens.
The matchup was thought to be a battle royale for both sides having secured their respective premiership status going into the placement but the energies and intensities brought into the game by the sides belied the go-easy pre-match permutations.
The visitors started the game like house on fire, contested every ball and effectively tried to impose immediate dominance, a clear sign that they are here for revenge, the homers however, calmly repelled and thwarted the attacks, a subtle reminder, too that they are in business to achieve a double.
Clear chances were fewer on the sides but the hosts showed more clay foot in few glaring occasions that would have given them the lead.
The visitors produced few scares but the hosts’ goalkeeper, Uchechi Onyechere was able to deal with the situations.
The Owerri side held tightly to their precious lead to end the half as dominants and leaders.
The heaven opened up its contents throughout the other half but the sides fought bravely aimed at switching victory to its own side.
There were some sore misses on the sides as seen in the first half but it was the home side that kept cool comportment to end the clash deservedly in its own favour.
The end of the regular season’s victory helped the Owerri landladies to finish the season on strong fifth spot on princely 12 points against the challengers, Royal Queens’ nine points and sixth finish.
Both sides kept intact their premiership position but lost out completely on the prime NWFL Super 6 spot won by the runaway group leaders, Delta Queens, reigning champions Bayelsa Queens and multiple champions, Rivers Angels.
