Preview: Ashgold v Accra Hearts of Oak

Third-placed Ashgold will be meeting Hearts of Oak for the 37th time since the inception of the Professional League in 1993.

The Miners have had a good start to the new season and they remain the only unbeaten side after eight games of the season.

Ashgold have won four times and drawn four in the league, and have conceded the least number of goals after match-day 8. They have a 100% home record in four games after defeating Liberty Professionals (2-0), Wa All Stars (1-0), Amidaus (2-1) and Ebusua Dwarfs (3-1).

Second-placed Accra Hearts of Oak are visiting the Len Clay Stadium for the 19th time in 20 years. The Phobians have lost 10 times, drawn three, and won five at the home of Ashgold.

However, they have a good away run in the new season having won three of their previous four on the road beating Edubiase (0-2), Inter Allies (2-3), and Bechem United (0-1).

David Duncan returns to his old haunting ground with the Rainbow team. The former Ashgold manager has not had the best of reunions with the Miners since he took over the Hearts of Oak job. He lost home and away last season to Ashgold, but he will be demanding a response from his side this weekend to turn the tide.

Coach Bashiru Hayford has finally stabilised his reign with the Obuasi-based club having had a mediocre start in the second round of last season. He will be hoping to keep his team’s unbeaten run when they host old foes Hearts on Sunday.

In the previous 36 meetings of the two clubs, Hearts of Oak have the edge with 16 wins against Ashgold’s 13. The Phobians have scored 36 times in this fixture as against 27 for the Miners.

Hearts of Oak have won five times at the home of Ashgold, and all the wins have been by a 1-0 scoreline.

Will the Phobians end their six-year winless streak at the home of the Miners or will coach Hayford’s side continue their invincibility in the new campaign?