By; Ilekam Ikechukwu (Mr Flakes)

The Dan Anyiam Stadium Owerri played host to a feisty matchday 4 NPFL encounter between Heartland FC and visiting Katsina United. 

The hosts still in search of their first league win of the season and having being buoyed by their match day 3 share of the spoils in Akure consolidated on that feat to draw the first blood in the 4th min, thanks to Christian Nnaemeka's trademark long throw which Kolimba Alladoum in goal for the visitors failed to deal with for the game's opening goal as the Dan Anyiam stadium erupted in wild jubilation leaving fans expecting for more.

The hosts pressed for more with the duo of Ezekiel Bassey and Fabian Omaka at either flanks giving fans something to cheer upon with couple of mesmerising displays, with gangling forward Patrick Nwogbaga seen in a real tussle with Stephen Manyo in the heart of defence for Katsina United. 

The only chance the visitors had came in the closing stages of the first half when ex Heartland wing back Chidera Ezeh picked out Idoko Andrew in the box only for the latter's effort to sail inches off target as the hosts went into the break with a slender lead.

The visitors with renewed vigour began the second half with couple of intentional alterations as the duo of Azeez Falolu and Samsom Olasupo were brought on by coach Tony Bulus, a tactical initiative that changed the narrative of the contest, as pressure was mounted on the Heartland defence line intermittently. 

The incessant inquisition from Katsina United eventually yielded dividends in the last quarter of the match when towering midfielder Michael Ibe who was left unmarked latch onto a Moses Effiong corner kick to expectedly draw the visitors level. The hosts surged on to restore their advantage but a determined Katsina United made sure the lengthy distant journey from the North West Region of the country to the Sout East wouldn't end in sheer futility as the game ended in a share of the spoils.

The search for the first league win of the season continues for Heartland FC on matchday 5 with a short distance journey to umuahia in the first oriental derby of the season as they engage regional foes Abia Warriors FC while Katsina United play host to Sunshine Stars of Akure at the dreaded Muhammadu Dikko stadium Katsina.