Heartland beat Rivers United

A spirited second half display proved to be the tonic for Heartland FC in their 2-1 victory over Rivers United on match day 11 of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) on Sunday.

Heartland were the quicker of the two sides out of the blocks and deservedly took the lead in the 24th minute through Anthony Oussou, who rolled in a simple shot past the United goalkeeper, Sunday Rotimi, following good work by Brownbraye Okpus.

United were level in the 38th minute through Chukwunonso Okonkwo whose strike went in off the base of Emmanuel Iwu’s left post.

The home faithful at the Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri were silenced as the half ended 1-1.

The Naze Millionaires grabbed the winner 11 minutes from time through substitute, Onyebuchi Ajunwa who reacted quickest in a crowded United penalty to side foot home from close range past a stranded Rotimi.

The Heartland trainer, Alphonsus Dike was full of praise for his charges after the game.

“It was a keenly-contested game and a good result for us.

“My boys were able to adapt to the situation; they played the way they were supposed to in the end.

“They did well,” Dike told Rivers United Media.

The United trainer, Stanley Eguma also praised Heartland for the win.

“It wasn’t a bad game. I commend Heartland FC because they fought very hard when the odds were against them.

“The two teams gave a good account of themselves.

“I also commend my players for fighting until the end,” he said.

The loss saw United drop two places on the log to seventh as they have amassed 16 points from 11 points while Heartland move up to 10th with 14 points from 10 matches.