BY KINGSLEY UZOWULU
Heartland Queens yesterday defeated Naija RATEL by 2-0 in match day 13 of the NWFL at the Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri.
Prior before the match, the Owerri land ladies were drawn bye while the Abuja girls were thrashed by 5-0 by the league leaders and former champions Bayelsa queens.
The two teams had earlier on in the first round fixtures played out a 2-2 draw.
Heartland Queens in a gritty determination to win the home game after losing to Edo queens in Owerri in the last fixtures, had the first feel of the ball as the team kicked off proceedings at 4:00 pm through No:7 shirted Chidiebere Opara.
The queens dominated play seizing possession of the ball while making frantic efforts and attempts at the goal area of the visitors.
Moments later in the 24th min. Faith Samson converted to goal a penalty awarded against Naija Ratel as the defense brought down a rampaging player of the home team in their penalty area.
The visitors came back into the game after conceding a goal to dictate play with occasional attacks in their opponents goal area , but their efforts were not strong enough to push the heartland queens defense to succumb.
The home team also refused to relent as they continued to surge into the visitors vital area until the 33rd’ when Umujiaku Oluebube nodded home off a cross for the second goal of the heartland queens.
All the efforts made by the Abuja girls to at least reduce the score line was truncated by the home team’s defense before the referee called for the end of the first half.
Naija Ratel kicked of the match for the commencement of the second period and showed clearly that they were determined to upset the home team in front of their fans but their actions were short-lived as the Owerri land ladies ones again took possession with good ball distribution making the ball even more difficult for the visitors to play.
The home team created series of opportunities and had catalogue of misses as well in front of goal especially through their top striker Umejiaku Oluebube.
The match became a ding dong affair as the two teams refused to be separated in the half and it continued so until the referee signaled for the end of what can be described as a thrilling encounter.
Heartland Queens are 6th on the log with 11 points before the match , while the visitors are at the bottom.
The home team will stay at home to welcome new comers pacesetter queens for the week 14 fixtures of the NWFL.
F/T scores: Heartland Queens 2 vs 0 Naija RATEL.
