By Hananeel Jackson

Goals from Robert Mizo and Gabriel Biriduba gave Bayelsa United a 2-1 victory over visitors Ibom Youth FC of Ikot Ekpene in a reshuduled Match day twenty four tie in group B2 of the Southern Conference of the Nigeria National League, NNL.

Experienced technical Adviser of Bayelsa United Diepreye Teibowei made seven changes from the regular starters with Uchenna Akoma, Amao Oluwasegun, Timothy Zuobemi, Atiki Egbe and Ebimobowei Consul who made his first start of the season after his heroic saves in the Aiteo Cup.

Forward, Robert Mizo drew the first blood three minutes into in the game from Timothy Zuobemi brilliant header when Uchenna Akoma dribble destabilized Ibom Youth defence line.

The visitors restored parity on 23 minutes from Ezekiel Edidong’s header through Lasisi Adeboye’s cross.

In a search for the winning goal, technical Adviser of Bayelsa United introduced Emmanuel Enize for Robert Mizo and also Emmanuel Emeka to replace Favour Martins as the substitution paid off when Izuchukwu Abugu brought down Stephen Wisdom in the danger zone just as Gabriel Biriduba stepped forward to send Ibom Youth goaltender the wrong way on 63 minutes.

Aiteo Cup Champions, Bayelsa United will play their last game of the season against Apex Krane of Agbor before the trip to Conakry for the CAF Confederation Cup tie with Guinean league side, AS Ashanti Golden Boys next month.

In a post match interview, technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Diepreye Teibowei said he was elated to have kept a hundred percent home record in the season despite the fatigue of combining the Aiteo Cup and league games.

He explained that preparations for the CAF Confederation Cup fixture against As Ashanti Golden Boys of Guinea has commenced in ernest, saying that the short notice of registration was why his side could not get new players for the continental showpiece.

Ibom Youth FC coach, Emmanuel Etuk commended his lads for their dexterity in the game, adding that the numerical disadvantage played a role in his team’s loss.

He described Bayelsa United as a good team having shared the spoils in Ikot Ekpene in the first round of the second tier league campaign.