By Chinedu Laurel Okorodike
Follow me on Twitter via @laureldpundit
Rivers United fielded a full strength team which included their star man Bernard Ovoke who just returned from trials with Lillestrom in Norway. The home side wasted no time in making their intentions known as they almost drew the first blood in the 6th minute as Obomate almost scored but the ball hit the side netting.
Guy Kumian almost gave Rivers United the lead as he attempted a spectacular volley but the went over the bar. moments later Chinonso Okonkwo struck from the edge of the box but Heartland goalkeeper Ebele Obi did well to tip the ball over the bar.
Heartland's Jika Abubakar almost gave Heartland the lead via a free kick as the ball deceived Rivers United goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi only for it to hit the upright bar.
The heavens opened as the rains started but that did not deter Rivers United from taking the lead via Christian Weli as he headed home a Guy Kuemian beautiful cross.
Heartland almost responded with the equalizer but Rivers United goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi showed classed to deny Heartland's Gabriel Ebute
In the 41st minute returnee Bernard Ovoke was brought down as he went on his trademark run. He converted the free kick but missed it like a school boy.
Coach Ransom Madu of Heartland made the first substitution of the game as he introduced former Rivers United player Emeka Atuloma for Roland Koffi and Emeka Ogbugh for Gabriel Ebute.
Coach Stanley Eguma of Rivers United made his own substitution as Onyekachi Okafor came in For Returnee Bernard Ovoke.
It was a ding dong affair as the two side struggled to take the chances that came their way with Rivers United Onyekachi Okafor the highest culprit.
Coach Stanley Eguma threw in Ofem Inah for Fredrick Obomate with the hope to get that all important second goal.
Minutes later Onyekachi Okafor missed a glorious chance to make it 2-0 but he missed it despite having just the goalkeeper to beat.
Coach Eguma brought in Victor Alegbe for but he had little impart as Rivers United held on foe a win which catapulted them to top spot. As for Heartland players they left the field showing signs of despondency.
Stats
Shots: 8-6
On Target: 3-2
Fouls Won: 18-19
Corners: 5-2
Offside: 2-2
Yellow: 0-1
Red: 0-0
Possession: 51%-49%
Gallary
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