Imperial Pip Valiant to Victory in Five-goal Thriller

Imperial picked up maximum points in front of their home crowd with a 3-2 triumph over Valiant.

The hosts wasted no time getting down to business as they broke the deadlock in the fourth minute. An unmarked Joel Ashuku walked the ball into the net after receiving a cross from the left. Valiant were made to pay for their error as they went behind early.

They found redemption however in the 23rd minute as Solomon Ijeh’s powerful shot from the spot rattled the onion bag to bring the visitors level. Riding high on that goal, the striker was again on hand to put Valiant in front five minutes into the second half.

In the 65th minute, the hosts were back on level terms. With the Valiant defense switching off for split seconds, Joel Ashuku snuck into the six-yard area unmarked again, to tap in from close range, again. 10 minutes later, Imperial were back in front thanks to a well-worked goal finished off by Yusuf Kehinde.

MAN OF THE MATCH

Joel Ashuku (Imperial)

His double proved pivotal for Imperial on the day.