By Hananeel Jackson
Two first-half goals from Endurance Ebedibiri and Stephen Wisdom’s twenty five yard shot as well as a brace from Favour Martins gave Bayelsa United a 4-2 victory over Crown Fc of Ogomosho in a matchday fifteen encounter in group B2 of the Southern Conference of Nigeria National League, NNL, decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium, Yenagoa.
The visitors took the lead on 24 minutes from a spot-kick when Johnson Ochuku hacked Odudu Sunday inside the danger zone as Waheed Afolabi stepped forward to send Bayelsa United shot-stopper Issiaka Ogoubiyi the wrong way.
Two minutes later, Endurance Ebedibiri restored parity for the hosts through Robert Mizo’s deflected effort. Mizo could have scored again three minutes after the restart but his effort was saved by Crown Fc goalkeeper Adeniyi Sunday.
Favour Martins gave the hosts a lifeline on 30 minutes after a slick move from Bayelsa United trio of Okardi Inikurogha, Robert Mizo and Stephen Wisdom, just before the half time break.
Stephen Wisdom sealed victory for the Yenagoa based side with a thunderous strike that could pass for the goal of the season.
After a composed half time performance, the coach Diepreye Teibowei tutored side continued to pile pressure on the Ajilete Warriors but were unable to penetrate with the visitors having learnt some lessons from conceding three goals in the first half.
Martins again on 71 minutes increase the scoreline for Bayelsa United to make it four goals to one. Four minutes later, substitute Ameh Williams reduced the deficit for the visitors after a clumsy defending from Bayelsa United defence line.
The victory leaves Bayelsa United on twenty-three points, one point more than Bendel Insurance whose game against Holy Arrows of Oleh was abandoned on 76 minutes as a result of violence while Crown Fc are on twenty-one points and will next host Goddosky Fc while Bayelsa United will travel to Lagos to face Joy Cometh.
Technical adviser of Crown Fc Oladunni Oyekale in a post-match interview with Sports Journalists attributed the defeat to overconfidence from players haven taken the lead in the first 20 minutes, describing the loss as his heaviest defeat.
On his part, technical adviser of Bayelsa United Diepreye Teibowei said he was happy to have come from behind to beat Crown Fc despite missing several scoring opportunities.
He pointed out that he was sure of replicating the performance away from home.
Man of the match Favour Martins while thanking God for victory, said he was shocked when the visitors took the lead.
He added that he was working hard to improve his performance away from home.
