Clark’s Wonder Goal Gives Bayelsa United Victory over Heartland
Substitute Clark Fabby scored a fascinating goal as former Aiteo Cup champions Bayelsa United coasted to a one zero victory over relegation threatened Heartland FC in a matchday 28 Nigeria Premier Football League NPFL fixture decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
Fabby’s delightful strike on 92nd minute from Wisdom Magbisa who waltzed through Heartland defenders to ensure that the Naze Millionaires return home empty handed having held the host to a goalless draw in the first half.
Bayelsa United coach Meremu Okara made a few changes from the team that defeated Kano Pillars and the Lobi Stars in Lafia last weekend with Emmanuel Onyekwere and mid season signing Abdulrahman Muniru making their start of the season.
Wisdom Magbisa mesmerized Heartland defenders as he beautifully connected the ball to Clark who meandered his way inside the box as he intelligently placed the ball to beat the visitors goalkeeper Darlington Ovunda who spent more time on the floor in their search for a point.
The Prosperity Boys on 35 minute almost broke the deadlock from Abdulrahman Muniru’s well connected pass but Emmanuel Onyekwere’s effort was saved by Darlington Ovunda, the host immediately initiated a counter attack as Tekena Garando’s shot hit the woodwork.
Apparently not pleased with the scoreline coach Meremu Okara made double substitution on 55 minute for the host Emmanuel Onyekwere for John Bassey and Emo James in place of Israel Consul having controlled the game.
However the visitors had a chance in the encounter on 80 minutes from Onyekachi Okafor as he fired the ball side way, Ifeanyi Assurance responded immediately from a well curled left footed shot but the fans celebration was abbreviated by the woodwork.
The win leaves the Prosperity Boys in 14th position with 34 points after 28 games and will next face Sunshine Stars of Akure on Sunday in Akure while Heartland FC will take on Sporting of Lagos.
Both coaches Meremu Okara and Christian Obi of Heartland in a post match interview, aired their views.
Bayelsa United coach Meremu Okara, said the lads completely outplayed their opponent attributing the late minute goal to too many wasteful chances, pointing out that the Prosperity boys would escape the relegation at the end of the season.
Heartland FC technical adviser Christian Obi attributed the defeat to lack of concentration in the final five minutes of the game, stating that he has exhausted everything he knew about coaching on his players yet no results.
He explained that his team has lost many chances in the final minutes of the league in the current NPFL campaign describing the loss as painful having dragged the game to the final minutes of the encounter.
