Despite confirmation of their relegation status from the NPFL weeks back, Lobi Stars FC of Makurdi arrived Jos with pride to protect, an intent easily demonstrated in game time.
The Peace Boys knew they had to strive to end well following the President Federation Cup Quarterfinal heartbreak plus a mild setback in owerri on Match Day 36.
It turned out an action packed meeting for the entirety of the game’ s first half.
Plateau United Will commence on the front foot with a number of offensive movements completed.
First, Vincent Temitope’s ferocious drive into the opposition area after five minutes had only goalkeeper Emmanuel Daniel’s fingertip denying him of an opener following a delightful chip.
Minutes later, Vincent Temitope appeared to have been tripped in the opponent’s vital area but the referee thinks it not enough to force a penalty until in the 22nd minute when Kalu Samuel’s feet was tripped in the area to elicit a penalty call.
An opportunity Vincent Temitope stepped up to convert and extend his goal tally to 9 in all competitions for the Peace Boys while scores stayed 1-0.
Plateau United continued their assault on Lobi Stars who remained solid in the back and midfield plus fate playing into their hands.
Lobi Stars’ Japhet Kundushima will threaten a number of times but Goalkeeper John Amah’s preciseness and reflex will come handy.
Kalu Samuel will connect a number of balls into the area including inventing his own trickery that easily could have resulted in a goal with his boisterous efforts paying off after 37 minutes when his cross ends up with a close tap in by the vastly talented Albert Hilary whose campaign had been riddled with a lack of luck with injury.
Just four minutes to the end of the first half, Lobi Stars’ Japhet Kundushima pounced on a suspended ball off Harrison Ebah’ s reflex to net a goal for his side and leave scores 2-1 heading into the second half.
The second half looked more subdued but not without flashes of brilliance from substitute, Suleimon Mojereola whose delectable combinations and assists nearly handed Yusuf Abdullahi a chance to net a goal on the evening after breaking clear against Emmanuel Daniel but his curling effort surprisingly misses target by whiskers after 77 minutes.
Three minutes to the end of regulation time, Adamu Abubakar musters a remarkable combination in the tightest of areas to break clear against Emmanuel Daniel but his goal bound attempt misses target yet again with scores left at 2-1 for Plateau who moved into tenth place in the current NPFL25 standings ahead of the final round of games set for Sunday May 25th across the country.
Lobi Stars Handler, Tony Bolus expressed delight in his team’s application amidst submission that it only shows they’re not a bad side despite relegation status plus renewed belief to return to the NPFL on first count.
Plateau United Technical Adviser, Mbwas Mangut expressed satisfaction with his team’s remarkable display but showed concern on his team’s failure to convert begging chances that provided.
Mbwas remained optimistic about the team’s chances come next season, attributing the team’s struggles this season to internal and external matters that bedevilled the club right from match Day 11 when Rangers International Of Enugu came visiting.
There were 9 home wins and only one win on the road for Niger Tornadoes over Sunshine Stars Of Akure on match Day 37.
Up next for the Peace Boys is a trip to the East and a date against Enyimba international of Aba in a season ending fixture on Match Day 38.
CREDIT: Yaksat Maklek, D.M.O, PUFC