Imperial shrug off Real Sapphire to continue winning run

Imperial moved four points clear at the top of the table with a hard-fought win over Real Sapphire.

Knowing what was at stake, Imperial started the game with vigor, pressing for an early goal. Their energy was however matched by the visitors who had a top-half-table spot in their sights.

The hosts however broke through the resilience of their visitors just after the half-hour mark. A cross into the box found an on-rushing Julius who was on hand to tap the ball into an empty net.

Five minutes after, the visitors drew level after forcing an error which led to a penalty, which was duly converted.

Both sides remained inseparable until the referee blew for halftime.

Second half proceedings started the same way the first ended: With both sides evenly matched and the search for an equalizer. It was however Imperial who drew first blood.

After a perfectly-worked build-up play, what seemed like a cross into the box weaved its way towards goal, evading the goalkeeper and ending up in goal.

The early second half goal dictated the tempo of the remainder of the game. On one hand, there was Imperial, who kept creating chance after chance, but failed to convert. On the other hand, there was Real Sapphire, struggling to keep up with the pace of the game, and failed to get an equalizer.

In the end, Imperial got their win, and the necessary three points needed to remain at the summit of the table. 

MAN Of THE MATCH

Daniel Adelakun (Imperial)

An impressive display by a player whose presence brought balance and fluidity to the side.