Accra, Sept 21, GNA - A Bernard Don Bortey's 40th minute mark strike separated Accra Hearts of Oak and Liberty Professionals in their crunchy local derby whose outcome favored the Phobians as they needed the win badly to stay in contention for the Prmier League title. On a day that the defending champions played slightly better than coach Cecil Jones Attuquayefio charges, the goal which was cleverly crafted by leading goal king scorer, Prince Tagoe was enough to remain the answer to their prayers of grabbing the maximum three points, Tagoe picked a floated ball from a Michael Donkor's clearance against the run of play, to race deep with an advantageous speed that left his markers trailing before locating Bortey on the left flanks where the latter dashed into the box before sending a carpet shot into the yawning net.

Stimulated by the euphoria that greeted the goal, Hearts threw more men into attack and kept the Liberty goalie, Kotei Blankson, the eventual winner of the Most Valuable Player (MVP) on his toes with great deliveries that brought the best in the keeper.

In an attempt to alter the score line after the recess, the visitors had play an improved game, but their zeal to pull even proved elusive as they lacked the killer instincts whenever they threatened the goal area of the home side.

The closest they came achieving the aim was in the 70th minute when a well executed ball was cleared off the line by Hearts Donkor to ensure that their win remained unharmed.

King Faisal beat Berekum Arsenal 1-0 in the GT Premier league match played at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium in Kumasi on Wednesday. The only goal of the match was scored in the fourth minute through a spot kick taken by Abubakar Yahuza after speedster Eric Gawu was fouled in the box.

Faisal continued to pile pressure for more goals but Arsenal, in a counter attack, missed a chance in the 16th minute to equalise when Alex Asamoah shot wide with goalkeeper Suraj Mohammed at his mercy. The match then became balanced with both sides missing chances to end the half with Faisal maintaining their thin lead.

Arsenal resumed the second half more determined to find the equalizer but the defence of Faisal stood gallantly. In the 55th minute, Saliu Yakubu of Arsenal was sent off for rough play on Ben Wilson. Playing with 10 men, Arsenal were not deterred as they continued to look for the equalizer.

And when they hit the back of the net in the 89th minute through substitute Osei Kofi, referee Jacob Quarshie of Tema ruled it offside to the dismay of the spectators.