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Blankson optimistic Delta Force can still qualify for NPFL

By Owen Akenzua, Asaba
09 August 2017   |   4:06 am
Delta Force F.C Coach, Tosan Blanson has called on his players not to lose faith in their quest of gaining promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) next season.

Delta Force F.C Coach, Tosan Blanson has called on his players not to lose faith in their quest of gaining promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) next season.

Speaking after his side was held to a 1-1 draw at home by visiting Bayelsa United in their Nigeria National League (NNL) encounter at the Austin Jay-Jay Okocha Stadium, Ogwashi-Uku, Blankson expressed his disappointment at the result, but he also urged his players not to dwell on the result but to focus on their next game in Lagos.

“The game has come and gone and I want to beg everybody that we should not lose faith. We can go to Lagos and win… we are down but not out,” he said.

In a game that was full of controversy, Delta Force was denied a blatant penalty in the first half after a striker, Ufuoma was brought down in the penalty box, but the referee was not interested in their appeal.

Three minutes later, Bayelsa United were also denied a penalty after their striker appeared to have been brought down by the Delta Force goalkeeper. The referee waved play on.

Eighteen minutes into the second half, the home team had another penalty appeal, which was awarded this time.

Maurice James took the penalty and calmly slotted the ball into the net beyond the reach of the Bayelsa United goalkeeper.

The home team’s lead lasted only six minutes before the boys from Bayelsa stunned the Delta Ambassadors and restored parity in the 70th minute through a neat footwork from Kuyak, who beat two Delta Force defenders before firing a fierce shot into the net.

Delta Force responded with series of attack on the Bayelsa United goal, and came very close to restoring their lead through Maurice James, who was put through on goal, but the striker was denied brilliantly by the Bayelsa United goalkeeper.

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