3,048 total views,  3 views today

By Hananeel Jackson

Each half brace from Victory Beniangba, and goals from Okardi Inikurogha and Benard Okorowanta gave Bayelsa United a resounding 6-1 victory over visitors Holy Arrows of Oleh in a match day nineteen fixture in group B2 in the Southern Conference of the Nigeria National League, NNL decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium in Yenagoa.

Beniangba gave Bayelsa United the lead four minutes into the game from Ayiba Edwin long pass to beat Holy Arrows goalkeeper Moses Egere. Six minutes later, Okardi Inikurogha doubled the lead for the hosts from a rebound.

Despite conceding two early goals, Holy Arrows came close twice when Israel Consul and former Bayelsa United midfielder Zuzu Benjamin tested John Shaibu but were unable to find the back of the net.

The Odi born forward made it three on 40 minutes through a counter attack as he dribbled Holy Arrows goalkeeper Moses Egere who was kept busy picking the ball from his net throughout the encounter.

After an impressive first half, Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United Diepreye Teibowei introduced experienced midfielder Benard Okorowanta and Bina Tombiri for Favour Martins and Stephen Wisdom which brought stability in the middle of the pack.

Moment after his introduction on 62 minutes, Okorowanta announced his return from injury with a superb finish from Hassan Oladimeji’s cross, but Oduapke Oghogo reduced the deficit for the visitors on 77 minutes when centre referee awarded a controversial penalty  to Holy Harrows.

The Yenagoa based side responded swiftly as Beniangba headed home  Uchenna Akoma’s set-piece on 84 minutes just before the duo of Akoma and  Timitimi Inekadei initiated a counter attack.

Moments later, Beniangba made it six goals to become the first player to score four goal in the NNL in a single season.

Bayelsa United will next travel to Umuahia on Wednesday to face Abia Comets while Holy Arrows will welcome Goddosky Fc of Nnewi.

Technical Adviser of Bayelsa United Diepreye Teibowei in a post match conference side he was pleased with performance of his lads having moved three points behind Remo Stars in the table.

He explained that the victory would spur the team to overcome Abia Comets on Wednesday, pointing out that his charges played according to instructions.

Head Coach of Holy Harrows, Philip Akiri declined the post match interview.

Chairman of the club, Ebiki Timitimi noted that he was satisfied with the team’s display, adding that the performance was indicative that Bayelsa United would return to the top flight Nigeria Professional Football League at the end of the season.

Timitimi expressed the hope  that the Governor’s charge for the team to gain promotion would be actualized, asserting that the 2009 Nigeria Professional Football League Champions would make the super eight play offs.