NNL: Go Round beat AS Raccine 1-0 to keep pressure on Heartland

Captain Nelson Esor scored in the 16th minute then missed a penalty in the 86th as Go Round FC beat AS Raccine 1-0 to keep the pressure on Heartland FC who currently top the table.

Played under difficult conditions with the pitch water logged after heavy rains before the game, Nelson Esor jumped highest to head the ball behind goalkeeper Adeyemi Taiwo.

Go Round FC coach, Ngozi Elechi made two substitutions in the game, Onuoha Chikezie replacing George Vincent in the 60th minute and Sesugh Kor going in for Dominic Junior in the 71st.

AS Raccine’s Victor Agali took off Odewale Taiwo for Mutairu Idris in the 82nd minute.

There was not much action in the 2nd half except for Chidi Nwachukwu hitting the upright late in the game and an 83rd minute penalty given to Go Round FC with less than six minutes left on the clock.

After a mild protest from AS Raccine players, Nelson Esor blasted the penalty kick to the high heavens.

Go Round FC coach, Ngozi Elechi said after the game that the win was important coming a few days after their FA Cup ouster against Cynosure FC.

“The most important thing was that we got the three points as our target for this season remains to play in the NPFL.

“I must commend my players for their efforts especially after the FA Cup loss last week,” Elechi said.

Victor Agali was disappointed that the condition of the pitch because of the rains prevented his players from giving our their best.

“I don't want to put anything on my players because this is not the weather we like to play in.

“You saw the condition of the pitch as it was waterlogged. It was difficult for them to play because my team likes to pass the ball around,” Agali said.

With this win, Go Round FC remain in 2nd place on the log with 25 points, one point behind leaders, Heartland who beat Akwa Starlets 2-0.

Go Round will now move to Nembe to play against Bayelsa United this weekend.