By Hananeel Jackson
Ten-man Bayelsa United on Sunday suffered a 2-0 defeat to Gateway United of Abeokuta in matchday eighteen group B2 fixture in the Southern Conference of the Nigeria National League NNL decided at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta.
The hosts took the lead from a spot-kick on 30 minutes when Hassan Oladimeji’s clearance mistakenly hit his hand as Micheal Okolo stepped forward to convert the penalty after a cagey 30 minutes of hostility.
Just before the lead, talisman Okardi Inikurogha put the ball past Gateway United goalkeeper Araromi Ibukun but his effort was ruled out for offside by the assistant referee.
After a disappointing first half, coach Diepreye Teibowei introduced Timitimi Inekadei for Favour Martins which brought stability to the game, but Gateway almost doubled the lead on 55 minutes as Micheal Okolo brilliant effort was blocked by Gabriel Biriduba.
However, there was drama on 60 minutes when the centre referee issued a second yellow card to Endurance Ebedibiri for his reaction after the assistant referee had signalled offside against the hosts.
Few minutes after his introduction, Ikechukwu Julius doubled the for Gateway United on 71 minutes from a solo move to beat Bayelsa United goalkeeper John Shaibu who has continued to show brilliance in goal in the absence of injured Issiaka Ogoubiye.
Just before the final whistle, Timothy Zuobemi who came in for Okardi Inikurogha almost reduced the deficit for the Yenagoa based side but his effort was saved by the Gateway United Goalkeeper who enjoyed himself on the floor in most part of the match.
The Yenagoa based side will next host Holy Arrows of Oleh on Sunday at the Samson Siasia Stadium while Gateway United will travel to Nnewi to face Goddosky Fc.
Addressing Sports journalists in a post-match interview, a disappointed technical adviser of Diepreye Teibowei frowned at the conduct of the match officials, alleging that they aided Gateway United to victory.
He however admitted that Endurance Ebedibiri’s red card was a deserved booking having challenged the centre referee despite signalling offside against Gateway United describing it as pathetic.
On his part, Head Coach of Gateway United, Hakeem Busari noted that Bayelsa United visited Gateway United at the wrong time having had a bad run of form in recent times against Abia Comets away and the draw against Holy Arrows at home.
Despite the outcome, Coach Busari described his former club Bayelsa United as a good side, adding that his team would continue to push for the promotion ticket in group B2.
