BY SAB OSUJI

Promise Anyanwu's exquisite strike of extraordinary quality set the tonic as Heartland plucked an emphatic 3-0 win in a 'dead-rubber' NPFL match day 33 thriller inside Dan Anyiam Stadium, Owerri, on Sunday, 26 May, 2024, Exclusivenews.com.ng reports.

Anyanwu saw the Savanna Scorpions goaltender off his line and let go a ferocious right footed effort from 25 yards out into the top corner on the half hour mark.

It was the rallying point for the Naze Millionaires who were off sort in the early exchanges.

The goal equally set the tonic for Anyanwu who stole the highlights on the bright afternoon with a brace, after  heading home the third goal on 88th minute from a Divine Ukadike's corner kick.

Just four minutes after the half time break, Chukwudi Esobe doubled the five time winners advantage after Gombe United goalkeeper, Itodo Akor, vomited Divine Ukadike's free kick onto the path of Esobe who gleefully smashed into the back of the net.

Despite the huge wine, Heartland are still stuck on the 19th spot on the Standings with 32 points, seven (7) points adrift of 18th placed Bayelsa United who have 39 points.

Similarly, Gombe United remain rooted on the last rung of the 2023/2024 NPFL Table with 25 points from 33 matches.

After a 1-0 advantage going into the break, Heartland returned to the pitch for the second period more coordinated, business-like and more like one in a hurry to catch the fast moving train.

With heads tightly screwed onto their necks, the Christian Obi charges contested every ball, with veteran stopper Nnaemeka Anyanwu providing incredible leadership at the back, providing effective cover for goalkeeper Darlington Ovunda, who was later subbed in the second half after he started feeling dizzy. Chisom Chiaha took his place inbetween the sticks as the home side fetched another clean sheet in the campaign.

However, the low point of Heartland performance on Sunday was the gap between the midfielders and the attack, resulting in unnecessary long balls as the frontmen were always far away with midfielders, allowing the taller Gombe United backs men to easily cut their aerial balls off while they keep on picking the second balls.

Heartland will travel to struggling Bayelsa United in the upcoming Match Day 34 fixture.