FC ONE Rocket’s resurgence continued when they defeated Rovers FC 2-1 at the U.J. Esuene Stadium in Calabar on Saturday for their fourth consecutive win.
Midfielder, William Julius drew first blood when a headed clearance by the Rovers defence fell his way to nod home the opener in the 14th minute, before Wonderson Yakubu rifled in his third league goal of the season, controlling Clinton Jephta’s pass beautifully and firing beyond goalkeeper, Franklin Akwari to help the visitors to a 2-0 halftime lead.
Rovers FC got their consolation in the 87th minute through Junior Osaghae’s well-taken strike as the game ended 2-1 in favour of the Indomitables.
A bright start to the game by FC ONE Rocket saw William Julius’ attempt in the ninth minute saved by Franklin Akwari, while Rovers also had their chance when Junior Osaghae’s shot narrowly missed the target in the opening minutes.
William Julius’ opener in the 14th minute did not slow down the visitors, who kept mounting pressure on their hosts, and had two penalty appeals waved away in the 21st and 22nd minutes – with Wonderson Yakubu appearing to have been brought down inside the box on both occasions.
Undeterred, Ndubisi Ndah’s men kept pushing and it paid off in the closing seconds of the first half when Wonderson Yakubu found the back of the net.
Clinton Jephta had the chance to put the game to bed in the 52nd minute after a defensive mix up in the Rovers backline, but the forward chose to go for power in a one-on-one situation. Goalkeeper Franklin Akwari made himself big to deny him.
Chances became few as the game headed for the closing moments. Rovers surged forward while FC ONE Rocket were solid in defence, repelling every move.
Junior Osaghae’s 87th minute strike was not enough as Rovers surrendered three points for the first time this season.
FC ONE Rocket Players Used
Lordful Philip (GK), Bidemi Obodu, Harrison Ebah, Charles Etim, James Sunday (Solomon Boyo 76′), Ugochukwu Obiri, Nasiru Jibril (Ambrose Ochigbo 55′), William Julius (Efe Kegbe 65′), Paul Ogunkoya (Samuel Anietie 76′), Wonderson Yakubu, Clinton Jephta
Unused substitutes
Bright Osah, Ugochukwu Agucho, Joshua Sunday, Mohammed Muawiyya, Biram Haladji (GK)
The Effect
FC ONE Rocket go top of the Southern Conference Group B1 with 17 points from eight games, while Rovers remain on 15 points, but drop to second place for the first time since matchday two.
Upcoming
Up next for the Indomitables is a derby with Vandrezzer FC at the Eket Stadium on Saturday in the penultimate match of the season, where a win could just be enough to guarantee a Super 8 spot.
