Gateway United FC suffered second loss on the spin with a 2- 0 defeat to Rovers FC in the match day 4 of the 2018/2019 Nigeria National League at U.J Esuene stadium, Calabar.
The visitors made a change to the team that lost to 2-3 to Nnewi United FC. With first win in sight for both teams, it turned to be a pulsating start.
In the 42nd minute, Rovers FC took the lead. Jonathan Alukwu’s shot from the edge of the box was converted into the net by Bishop Onyeudo’s slight touch.
It was an improved display in the second
half as Nicolas Egrigba and Seyi Okeowo came in for James Oransaye and Godspower Igbah.
The search for a leveller almost materialised in the 62nd when Raphael Ademola was hacked down in the box having breezed past two defenders but the referee saw nothing wrong.
8 minutes after, Abdul Azeez Salam cut in inside the box to be clear on goal but his effort was blocked by Rovers defenders, Taiye Yusuf followed up with a tame rebound.
Rovers FC then sealed the game and ended Gateway United’s hope of comeback with the second goal courtesy of Ndukwu Murphy’s looping header from Uchenna Njoku’s cross.
Gateway United continued piling pressure on the hosts but could not get the right finishing touches in the final third.
Gateway United FC who are now placed fifth in group B3 with two points have a two bye week and will resume action against Rovers FC in Abeokuta on May 25, 2019.
Moses Ojewumi
