Hearts silence Aduana Stars

Accra, May 22, GNA - Accra Hearts of Oak maintained their winning ways with a lone goal victory over Aduana Stars in their Week 28 Glo Premier League clash at the Ohene Djan Stadium, Accra on Sunday. Offensive midfielder Douglas Nkrumah scored the only goal of the match in the fourth minute to keep the Phobians' ambition of a top four berth on course. The victory ensured Hearts move to seventh place on the league log on 40 points, 16 points adrift of leaders Berekum Chelsea with two games remaining. Dethroned champions, Aduana Stars gave their hosts a good run for their monies worth but it was little enough to land them the much-needed equalizer.

Hearts started on a bright footing and shot into the early lead through Nkrumah, who tapped in after Aduana goalie Celestine Damptey had spilled Samuel Nzemaba 's free-kick into play. Damptey appeared jittery with a seemingly loss in confidence after giving out the goal as his composure shrunk between the sticks. On 22 minutes, Nkrumah during one of their moves upfront unleashed a thunderbolt that hit the upright to deny Hearts a second goal with keeper Damptey completely beaten.

Four minutes on Hearts were dealt a major blow after Uriah Asante pulled out with Abraham Annan replacing him, but the latter failed to fill the 91big shoes' of the former. Aduana resumed the second half strongly and controlled the game for a greater part but the equalizer remained elusive for them. On 64 minutes, Hearts goalie Laud Quartey scored full marks with a cool save of Godfred Saka's long drive.

In the 77th minute, the upright denied Aduana the much needed equalizer after Seth Opare's header from Bernard Don Bortey's cross kissed and into touch. It was the closest the Dormaa-based club came as far as levelling up the scores with Hearts holding unto their lead till the final whistle.