By Our Reporter
RIVERS United claimed their fourth Nigeria Professional Football League win with a thrilling, high-energy performance to beat Heartland FC at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium Sunday evening.
Coming into this game off the back of a narrow 1-0 defeat to Wikki Tourist FC, Stanley Eguma shuffled his back four in an effort to change the fortunes of his side.
Kazie Enyinnaya, Konan Ruffin and Ifeanyi Anaemena were recalled to the back four while Lookman Binuyo reclaimed his defensive midfield position.
Cletus Emotan was in for another NPFL start of the season and instantly caught the eye with the way he took up space between the lines, while Stephen Gopey was his usual ball of industry and energy.
Rivers United made a strong start and, with six minutes on the clock, Bamba Bakari surged forward and pinged a cross into Heartland's box which fell for Cletus Emotan whose effort was deflected for a corner.
Fortune Omoniwari scuffed a volley just wide on eight minutes as the "Pride of Rivers" went in search of an early goal.
Rivers United kept coming forward, and were soon awarded a penalty when Pascal Eze handled the ball in the area – and Godwin Aguda made no mistake from the spot.
Heartland soon grew into the game and came close themselves when Shedrack Oghali capitilazed on a losse ball but saw his right-footed effort saved by Abiodun Akande in goal for Rivers United.
The Stanley Eguma team showed real heart and no little attacking spark, and could have extended their lead when Godwin Aguda was left in a world of his own but his strike was saved by Ikechukwu Ezenwa to end the half with United in the lead.
As expected, Heartland came flying out of the blocks at the start of the second half but, after soaking up some early pressure, Rivers United extended their lead as Kazie Enyinnaya nicely controlled and finished in style a stunning lofty pass from Konan Ruffin. It was no more than Rivers United deserved
Heartland FC reduced the deficit in the 77th minutes when Shedrack Oghali low driven shot off a quickly taken free kick by Samuel Nnoshiri beat Akande in goal for United.
In almost similar fashion, Malachi Ohawume struck the match winner from a quickly taken free kick by Bobby Clement late on to secure all three points in the bag and the fourth win out of five matches in the league this season.
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