William Da Silva's strike on the 7th minute, was all Ifeanyi Uba FC needed to ease past Oriental neighbours Heartland FC, in a tightly contested match day 8 encounter played at the Ifeanyi Uba Sports Stadium, Nnewi on Wednesday.
In what was termed a fierce derby, hugely characterized by intense rivalry on and off the pitch, the home side fielded Brazillians, Williams and Alberico Barbosad in the starting line up, against Alphonsus Dike's men.
Ifeanyi Uba got the game to a flying start, when acute exchange of passes led to Bright Onyedakachi being hacked down inside the area on the 6th minute. William stepped in to send Ebele Obi the wrong way from the spot, to give his side the advantage.
Excellent run of play by the visitors within the half hour mark, almost produced some lifeline. Rolland Koffi, the most amazing beneficiary, blasted a perfectly carved sitter, inches off target, from edge of the area.
Minutes to wrap the first half, Dobrev withdrew Williams for Tamen Medrano, in a bid to match a physically dominant Heartland side, in the middle of the park. The gamble paid off, as the visitor's excesses were effectively checked, allowing the home side stay in front at the break.
Alberico came close to doubling his side's advantage three minutes after the break, but his rampaging strike, 25 yards out, got past Obi, but not the woodwork.
The Brazilian's afternoon came to a halt on the hour mark, when he was called off for Ivorian import, Seka Pascal. The striker made an immediate impact, nodding Onyedikachi's cross inches wide, and scrambling the ball across the face of goal, moments later.
Dike's men could not level terms, despite numerous advances, following the late introduction of Bright Ejike and Emeka Atuloma.
Match Stats:
Fouls Won: 17-15
Corners: 4-2
Yellow: 1-2
Red: 0-0
Offsides: 4-4
Shot: 8-5
On Target: 3-2
Possession: 51%-49%
