Two goals before and after the halftime whistle was all Bendel Insurance needed to see off a spirited J. Atete FC side in the 2021/2022 Nigeria National League Southern Conference Group B1 clash, at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin city Edo state.
Bendel Insurance got off the block early on in the game as they dictated proceedings with J. Atete looking to contain their hosts and hit on the break.
Making his debut in goal, Victor Godwin of J. Atete was called into action in the 15th minute as he parried an angled drive to concede a corner.
The Jeremi based side responded with a chance of their own but John Taire’s ambitious attempt from a distance sailed over the bar.
Victor Godwin was called into action again as this time made a point blank save to deny the Edo Arsenals from taking the lead.
Just as the halftime beckoned, the home side took the lead following sloppy defending from the Jeremi based side who failed to clear their lines and where made to pay for it.
A blocked cross fell kindly to Zarki Ismael, who’s half volley beat Victor Godwin in goal to send the home fans into raptures.
J. Atete’s hopes of getting an instant response was dealt a further blow as Bendel Insurace scored their second less than two minutes into the 2nd half.
Stephen Adodo’s tame effort from the edge of the box was spilled by Victor Godwin who could not hide his disappointment.
The 2nd goal sparked a response from the away side as coach Makpo Akpoguma made couple of changes in quick succession. Samson Edja, Taire John, Godstime Edewor, who was lively in the first half, and captain, Shemaye Ametisiro, made way for Eromosele Zibiri, Friday Omoregie, Rume Willlliam and Matthew Gdan Efia.
The injection of fresh blood was a concern for the home side as the the former Delta State FA Cup winners threw in the kitchen sink.
The away side thought they had pulled one back as substitute, Friday Omoregie headed in a cross from the left but their celebration was cut short by the raised flag of the Assistant Referee two.
Several attempts by J. Atete F.C to breach the opposition defence was thwarted as Insurance held on to record their first win of the season.
In his post-match reaction, J. Atete Chief Coach, Makpo Akpoguma, admitted his lads lost to a better side but lamented over some calls made by the officials
In his words, “You all saw the match, the first goal, they pushed my defender and the referee allowed the game to go on. We know the second goal was a good goal but they disallowed a very beautiful goal from us. We all saw it, it was a good goal but I don’t know why the referee disallowed it. I still wish Insurance the best of luck in their campaign.”
Bendel Insurance Technical Director, Monday Odigie, commended his boys for getting the win and the fans for cheering them to victory.
He however called for prayers and support from fans as it is still a long way to go as Insurance intends to take the team back to the top flight.
When quizzed on the performance of the officials, he noted that he does not like deliberating on such as the game was over.
J. Atete F.C will be hoping to bounce back to victory in their next fixture when they host Ibom Youth at the Warri Township stadium on Saturday, February 26, 2022, same day Insurance trade tackles with Ikorodu F.C at the Teslim Balogun stadium, Lagos.
