The match day 18 fixture at the Okigwe Township Stadium against Sunshine Stars of Akure lived up to its billing as a tricky encounter. Not because of a fierce rivalry for supremacy between both sides each having a good home record against the other but because of the recent form of the Aketi Boys from Akure.
It was Heartland to strike the first, earliest and only goal of the game courtesy a third minute strike from Abiodun Thompson ably assisted by Obioma Chukwuemeka. Abiodun superbly evaded his marker to strike a thunderbolt into the roof of the opposition’s net, his third for the current campaign so far.
The goalkeeper for the Akure Gunners couldn’t have done anything about it. Interestingly, Abiodun’s third minute goal was the earliest in the entire games played a cross seven NPFL match centres.
It seemed quite after the goal as both sides crossed themselves tactically. As the game progressed the visitors grew into the game but the defence of the Naze Millionaires remained resolute.
The second half started the way the first ended as Kabiru Dogo’s lad tried to find an equalizer. Late on in the second quarter Heartland’s blushes were spared as a ferocious shot from a sunshine star hit the bar much to relief of the fans.
Heartland held their nerves to hold on to the final whistle thus ensuring their place in the top half of the log.
Heartland next travel to Gombe for a clash with Adamawa United.
