By Hananeel Jackson
Babatunde Solomon 50th minute header earned Aiteo Cup Champions Bayelsa United, a 1-0 victory over visitors, Rovers Fc of Calabar in a match day nine fixture of the Nigeria National League, NNL decided at the Samson Siasia Stadium,Yenagoa.
In an encounter that looks like a Bayelsa affairs saw midfielder Favour Martins and Hassan Oladimeji making the starting eleven for the first time this season since the game in Sfax against CS Sfaxien.
Tunde Solomon scored the only goal of the game from Zikala Tobin pull out as he lifted above Rovers duo of Etom Effiong and Valentine Egiga in the danger zone.
Robert Mizo on 35 minute almost draw the first blood for Bayelsa United from an acrobatic effort but went wide despite the dominance of the game by the host.
After controlling twenty minutes of proceeding by the host, the visitors took the game to the host but the Yenagoa based side were solid at the back and could not penetrate.
Osundu Jonathan on 80th minute almost levelled terms for Rovers Fc but Bayelsa United young goalkeeper Osagie Onisodumeya save ensured that Bayelsa United record it first clean sheet at home this season.
Bayelsa United will next travel to Omoku on Saturday to face neighbors, Go-Round Fc at the Krisdera Stadium while Rovers Fc will be on standby.
In post match interview, technical adviser of Bayelsa United Diepreye Teibowei noted that he expected more goals despite controlling the game,pointing out that if they had taken their chances it would have been a massacre.
Rovers Fc George Eredekumor,attributed the defeat of his side to the centre referee, complaining that all the infringements were against his side .
He lamented that the goal they conceded disorganized his plans in the second half but promised to bounce back at home in week
eleven.
Also, midfielder Favour Martins asserted that he was elated to be back in the team for the first time this season.
Martins added that he was hoping for a better season as the league progresses.
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