A first half solo strike from reliable Lucky Mary proved adequate to hand hosts, Heartland Queens FC all the three points at stake against hard-fighting non-league side, Imo Strikers Queens FC.
The first ever derby clash on Thursday at the Dan Anyiam Stadium in Owerri was a build-up match to assist both sides test their tools as well as prepare adequately for upcoming assignments.
While Heartland Queens are warming up for a glorious campaign at the forthcoming 2021/2022 NWFL Championship season the Imo Strikers Queens already have a date at the maiden Soccer Queens Cup in Lokoja, Kogi state.
The encounter outright proved to be a win, win for both sides all parties were thoroughly tested and stretched to the limit by the free-flow and quality of play at display.
The visitors still rue a sore miss to even scores in the other half but no thanks to the experienced Heartland Queens’ goalkeeper, Chinedu Ihejirika who needlessly gifted the foul but on this occasion watched to her immense relieve as the spot kick effortlessly hovered in the sky.
Heartland Queens handler, Obi Ogbala admitted that the youngsters gave his experienced side a stubborn run for their money insisting that the clash was a good test on the fitness level of his wards.
“It was not an easy game being a local derby, the visitors almost ran us aground but for experience on our side.
“They are younger and fitter, too and came all out to make a bold statement, and I think inexperience was their most undoing.
“We are still in a transition period and I know with more of these test matches we will get it perfectly right.
“I will not say I’m 100% satisfied with performance but the hard fought victory is key moving forward,” said the former Nasarawa Amazons gaffer.
The Owerri landladies are primed to re-engage the ‘little sister’ on yet a date to be agreed upon.
