The Dan Anyiam Stadium became the theatre of amazement, where Heartland FC tamed the league leaders Rivers United to size.
It was a game of two halves but Heartland bossed the league leaders to submission.
After a scoreless first period the lads emerged from the locker room poised to make a statement in the second period.
Ndukwu Murphy was becoming a nuisance on the left channel giving his opposite number a torrid evening. His efforts were rewarded sooner than later when Kazie Enyinnaya handled his cross for a penalty.
The Skipper Nwaodu stepped up and skied it wide .
Heartland persisted and increased the intensity of the game after the penalty miss ,a sense of urgency was born as they rallied the troops against the league leaders.
Top scorer Ishaq threatened and missed by whiskers in the 51st minute but Heartland persistent pressure paid off in the 54th minute. A fabulous delivery from Petite Substitute Alfred M Alexander picked out Sunday Chinedu for the curtain raiser.
The league leaders tried to fight back but Akunaeto’s strike in the 58th minute went agonizingly wide.
3 minutes later the vertically challenged petite winger Alexander Alfred, with a delicate sumptuous pass lacerated the Rivers defense to set up Mbaoma who finished with aplomb against the vastly experienced Theophilus Afelokhai in goal.
The Dan Anyiam Stadium rose to its feet, found her voice, the Supporters roared , sang and cheered every single move.
The league leaders would not give up without a fight but there efforts were rebuffed by an excellent Arugo Monkey.
Ageless Chijioke Ejiogu was unmistakably the Man of the match, making 4 breathtaking saves to deny Stanley Eguma’s men.
Ejiogu made two top drawer saves in the 45th minute to deny former Heartland player Joseph Onoja and Nyima Nyagua.
He would repeat same feat in the second period putting up a spectacular performance.
Heartland could have grabbed a third goal. In the 82nd minute,Chijioke Mbaoma scorer of the second goal this time turned provider but Alexander Alfred inexplicably failed to tap in from 4yards in front of a gaping goal.
Heartland finished very strong grabbing maximum points against the league leaders with two beautiful goals.
The victory pushed Heartland to 16th position pending results of other Matches.
Reacting After the encounter Stanley Eguma blamed the turf which he claimed didn’t allow his team to express themselves.
Erasmus Onuh praised his team especially the Petite Substitute Alexander Alfred who according to him has silenced his critics with two beautiful assists.
He called for more encouragement and not condemnation while promising that the team is determined to beat the drop.
Heartland’s next game will be against Kano Pillars.
