By Hananeel Jackson

Bayelsa United were on Sunday held to a goalless draw by visiting Shooting Stars of Ibadan in a matchday seven fixture of the Nigeria National League (NNL) at the Samson Siasia Stadium Yenagoa, Bestchoicesports.com.ng can report

The encounter was witnessed by the new House Assembly Speaker, Mr Tonye Isenah alongside Commissioner for Sports Development Mr Perekiye Buruboyefe, Bayelsa State Football Association Chairman Bar. Poubeni Ogun and stakeholders in the state.

Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United, Makeme Fekete made few changes from the side thatpreviously lost to Shooting Stars with Samuel Akinibinu and Braye Brown making a return after several weeks on the sideline

After a dominant display in the first half the second half resumed with the home side mounting pressure on the visitors but the trio of Isiaka Mutiu, Omololu Waheed and Ogundimu Mutiu were defensive conscious not to allow Esobe Chukwudi and Zechariah Sunday penetrate their rearguard line to keep their promotion aspirations alive.

However Bayelsa United best opportunity came in the 87th when the centre referee awarded a spot kick to the host after Shooting Stars Omololu Waheed handled the ball in the eighteen yard box but Substitute Okilo Musampa penalty was saved by 3SC goalkeeper Lucky Jimoh leaving the Restoration Boys in a precarious position on the log.

The Restoration Boys will next travel to Enugu to face Giant Brillars Fc while Shooting Stars will be on standby in Group B1.

After the game, technical adviser Shooting Stars, Edith Agoye said he is pleased with the scoreline, stressing that his target was to get at least a point in Bayelsa.

Despite dominating proceeding, Bayelsa United Makeme gaffer, Fekete attributed the draw to his side’s inability to convert their chances especially in the first half.

He explained that he has three penalty takers in the team but the trio were all afraid to take the initiative.