By Hananeel Jackson

Two second half goals from midfielder Favour Martins on 53 minutes and Timothy Zuobemi on 75 minutes gave Bayelsa United a comfortable two nil victory over stubborn Gateway United of Abeokuta in a match day eight encounter in the southern conference group B of Nigeria National League NNL, decided at the Samson Siasia stadium, Yenagoa.

Technical adviser of Bayelsa United Diprieye Teibowei made few changes from his original starters with left back Bada Opeyemi starting back to back in the absence of experienced left back Hassan Oladimeji while Eugene Ugochukwu featured in place of Endurance Ebedebiri who got a red against Holy Arrows at the weekend.

After a not too impressive first half, Favour Martins broke the deadlock on 53 minutes through Ebitimi Agogu’s well connected pass to beat Gateway United goalkeeper Araromi Ibukun who saved Okardi Inikurogha close range shot in the first half.

The visitors responded few minutes later when Okolo Michael and Salifu Haruna continued to mount pressure on the hosts but they were twice denied by Bayelsa United shot stopper Issiaka Ogoubiye who had earlier prevented Dada Kayode from restoring parity.

The search for an equaliser continued following an impressive first half as Okolo Michael almost levelled up for the Abeokuta outfit but was once denied by Beninoise international Issiaka Ogoubiye on 68 minutes.

Seven minutes from time, the Yenagoa based side responded in style with a counter attacking display as Gateway United defence line were unable stop Okardi Inikurogha’s low cross to set up Timothy Zuobemi with the goal.

The victory leaves Bayelsa United on fourteen points as they will next travel to Benin City the this weekend to face Bendel Insurance while Gateway United will be at home to Abia Comets of Umuahia.

Despite the defeat, technical adviser of Gateway United Hakeem Busari said his lads gave a good account of themselves,noting that the Yenagoa based side capitalised on their mistakes in the second half

He explained that he expected a tough battle having worked for Bayelsa United three years ago but expressed optimism that his wards would pick a win on the road before the end of the season.

An elated technical adviser of Bayelsa United, Diprieye Teibowei pointed out that the two changes in the second half were the turning point in the game describing the victory as a smooth.

He added that team would now focus on the weekend fixture against,Bendel Insurance.