Accra, April 10, GNA - Liberty Professionals kept alive their hopes of surviving the elite division when they chalked a 2-0 win over visiting Real Tamale United (RTU) in the Week 23 clash on Sunday at the Carl Reindorf Park, Dansoman.

Substitutes Kevin Kouakou and Michael Appiah scored for Liberty to boost their lift from the bottom ranks of the standings. Hosts Liberty played one of their best games in recent times as they pinned their visitors to their half of the pitch for most of the opening half and missed a number of scoring chances.

They, however, had to wait till the second half to break the deadlock after failing to make the best of scoring opportunities that came their way= .. The visitors, RTU, gave a good account of themselves but found the Liberty centre back made up of Alfred Nelson and David Addo a tall mountain to climb.

Coach Mohammed Gargo of RTU introduced veteran forward Shilla Alhassan in the latter stages of the first half but his presence could barely turn the tide into their favour.

Liberty maintained their hold of the game in the second half and thei= r efforts yielded dividends in the 61st minute with Kouakou beating an off-side trap to score the opener.

The Ivorian-import delivered a curling shot beyond the reach of RTU'= s goalie John Adjetey after Moses Abban had put him through.

Few minutes later, returnee Michael Helegbe was gifted with a golden opportunity to double the lead for the hosts, but with only goalie Adjetey to beat, the former Black Meteors captain shot into the waiting hands of th= e Adjetey in a one-on-one situation.

Six minutes from time, Appiah scored the second goal for Liberty by finishing off a three-man move involving Helegbe and Kouakou. Helegbe found Kouakou, who laid a neat pass unto Appiah for him to easily shoot into the yawning net with keeper Adjetey completely beaten. The visitors multiplied in attack but their quest for at least a consolation goal remained fruitless till referee Theresa Bremansu brought proceedings to an end.