BY SAB OSUJI

Rivers United fought hard to claim a point at Gombe United in a gritty contest at Pantamin Stadium, Gombe.

The Pride of Rivers had earlier ran home with similar scoreline at Heartland. Andy Okpe handed the traveling Port Harcourt troops the lead on the dot of 44 minutes but slack defending ensured the visitors gave up their precious and pyrrhic lead four minutes later when Wasiu Alalade drew The Savanna Scorpions' back on level terms three minutes into the added time.

Both sides went into the break on equal terms, a situation they could not change even in the pulsating second period.

The two struggling sides held out tenaciously until the final whistle.

Eguma had gone into the crucial game with an ultimatum on his head. But the result could well soothen the nerves of the club's hierarchy and provide a stone heart for the CAF Confederation Cup campaigners as they embark on their next fixture away to Plateau United.

Rivers United have played four games shy of other campaigners as they have their games against Rangers (a), Enyimba (h), Sporting Lagos (a) and Shooting Stars Sports Club, 3SC Ibadan (a) put on hold on account of their involvement in the CAF Confederation Cup campaign.

Rivers United are 17th on the standings with 17 points even with four games in hand amidst their fixture congested campaign both on the domestic and continental levels.