The Solid Miners were, on Saturday, 16th April, forced to a 1-1 draw by resilient Remo Stars in a rescheduled matchday 23 clash at the drenched New Jos Stadium, Plateau State.
The home side who looked more comfortable in the early phases of the game almost opened scoring but Chinedu Udechukwu’s free-kick belter ricocheted against the wall.
Moments later, returnee midfielder, Michael Tochukwu, tried a shot from distance which riggled through the traffic but for the consciousness of Bankole Kayode in goal for the visitors. That was quickly followed by another strike from King Osanga, and again, the goalkeeper was alive to the threat.
United caused more stir for the away side when Joshua Ogbole rifled in a thunderous shot from range but it went inches wide for a goalkick.
Remo weathered the storm and made their only attempt before the half-time whistle only for the shot off the boot of Ekundayo Ojo to go haywire.
Contrary to the flow of the game, it was Remo Stars who opened scoring courtesy of lanky attacker, Andy Okpe, four minutes into the restart as he was picked up by Qudus Akanni, but King Osanga drew the Solid Miners level five minutes later after his riggled set piece was deflected into the back of the net – his first goal since joining the Lafia-based side last Season.
Substitute, Ambrose Igbudu, the conjuror, outsmarted his marker before playing in fellow substitute, Ifeanyi Benjamin, only for the striker’s glorious touch to be denied by the woodwork.
The menacing midfielder once again picked up Shammasu Mohammed in the box with the latter’s improvised header striking the frame of the goalpost.
The visitors’ Tolulope Ojo also had his opportunity squandered when he ballooned the ball over the cross bar from close range.
Despite enjoying a flurry of chances, United failed to increase their tally as the game ended 1-1 apiece, a result that further drifts them down the table to 12th position with 29 points while Remo Stars firm their 4th-place status.
The team will next take on Akwa United in Uyo during the midweek before returning home for a date with visiting Dakkada FC of Akwa-Ibom during the weekend.
