Akwa Starlets coach blames poor finishing for Prime loss

AKWA Starlets gaffer, Patrick Udoh has blamed the inability of his players to convert their scoring opportunities for the 2-0 loss to Prime FC in a Nigeria National League encounter on Saturday.

Goals from Sunday Taiwo in the 34th minute and Adeyemi Adeyeye in the 45th minute ensured Prime maintained their 100 per cent home records.

Despite rueing his team's lack of goals, Udoh said he was however impressed with the overall performance of his players. 

"The defeat was bad, but the game wasn't a bad one as far as I am concerned. Though we conceded two goals in the first half, my boys did enough in the second half by trying to ensure they salvage the situation but they didn't.

"I actually enjoyed the match in the second half, but it was the finishing that was our greatest undoing. We will go back and make some adjustment in the second round," Udoh said in a post match reaction. 

The match watched by a mamoth crowd at the Oshogbo Township Stadium, started on a slow pace for the 'Believe and Achieve' side as they gave plenty room for the visiting Akwa Starlets.

Prime showed no sign of slowing down as former Kwara United midfielder, Sunday Taiwo, got the opener via nodding in an effort from Lekan Oseolohun.

Adeyemi Adeyeye doubled the lead after eleven minutes with a ballistic shot at the edge of the box that cuts Starlets goalkeeper, Ottobong Emmanuel, napping.

Akwa Starlets wasted series of chances in the second half as Prime goalkeeper, Ayobami Ojo, did enough to keep a clean sheet.

Speaking after the encounter, Prime Coach, Shina Afolabi commended his wards' performance as he believes his team will soon make a statement with an away victory this season.

"It was a sweet victory, the boys played according to the tactics and we shall continue to work hard until we get to our desired destination."

Ahead of the away tie against Abia Comets on Saturday, Afolabi noted: "By the special grace of God, I believe we are going to get something on the road."

Prime now with 9 points from 6 matches and they are to play Abia Comets on Saturday in Umuahia in the final match of the 2015/2016 Nigeria National League first round.