9 January 2011
Dolphin beat Heartland 1-0 Saturday to open a four-point lead at the top of the Nigeria Premier League after closest rivals Warri Wolves were downed by Bukola Babes.
Dolphin have now recorded 21 points from 10 matches, while Warri Wolves are second on 17 points.
However, third-placed Sunshine Stars with 16 points could cut back this lead to two points if they beat Kwara United in Ijebu-Ode later Sunday.
Just before the interval, former Lobi Stars left fullback Uche Oguchi let fly a shot from 20 metres, which crashed against the foot of the post before beating an unsighted goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi for the only goal of this encounter.
In Bauchi, Bukola Babes again proved to be giant killers as they accounted for Warri Wolves, just as they felled champions Enyimba recently.
Effiom Bassey was the match hero of the NPL new comers with a 53rd minute strike in a game they dominated and could have even won by a more handsome score line but for the agility of the ever-impressive goalkeeper Chigozie Agbim.
This home win pushes the Ilorin club to the 10th place on the table with 14 points from 10 matches.
Kano Pillars surged to fourth spot after a 31st minute penalty converted by on-form striker Gambo Mohammed at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano.
It was Mohammeds fourth goal of the campaign.
This was possibly coach Salisu Yusufs last game in charge of Pillars as he is expected in the new week to sign a contract as second assistant coach of the Super Eagles.
It was a very difficult game for us because it seemed the boys wanted to win it for me as this could well be my last game with the team. We therefore lost our passing game and tactical discipline and Rangers were very aggressive, Yusuf told MTNFootball.com.
The positive from this game was that we won and remain on course for the championship.
In Saturdays other match, Ocean Boys eased their relegation worries with a 2-0 home win over Crown FC.
Felix Benjamin opened scoring for the host team after 24 minutes before Ayo Saka smashed home a beauty from almost the centre circle in the 39th minute, which could now convince officials to let him off the hook for staying away from the team since the Christmas holidays.
Ocean Boys could have increased the tally in the 89th minute but goalkeeper Femi Thomas penalty kick was saved by his deputy of last season, Ayo Ojo, in goal for Crown.
The big test for the Bayelsa State team will be in midweek when they are away to Heartland.
NPL officials are expected to inspect the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri Monday to ascertain whether it is suitable to stage this game or else it will be played at the Enyimba International Stadium in Aba.
