TheNEWS Draw With TPT Again

By Taiwo Adelu

Last Friday was a memorable day for TheNEWS/P.M.News football team and their fans as they maintained their unbeaten run in soccer competitions for the past three years.

TheNEWS squad that defeated their neighbours, Daily Independent, 3-1 in an anniversary match last year, played a 1-1 draw with arch rivals, TPT Communications football team on Friday.

The friendly tie was played at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, Ikeja, where hundreds of fans enjoyed an explosive and interesting encounter.

The TPT squad, captained by Tokunbo Modupe, who came for the match with the aim of defeating TheNEWS/PM News team, drew the first blood in the early minutes of the first half when Henry Alade, spotting jersey number 11, capitalised on the uncoordinated defence of their opponents, to give his side a celebrated goal. TheNEWS team’s effort to get an equaliser proved abortive as they lost so many scoring chances to the TPT’s goalkeeper, George Eshemokhai, whose prowess at the goal post frustrated their opponents’ every incursion before the first half ended.

TheNEWS/P.M.News team came back forcefully in the second half with the aim of not losing the match. Their efforts paid off towards the end of the second half when striker Bayo Adetu dribbled TPT defenders to net home the equaliser.

Adetu’s goal geared up his team as they piled unbearable pressure on  TPT team, who had thought of running away with their one goal lead. TheNEWS/P.M.News squad could, however, not make the best out of the already demoralised TPT team before the centre referee signalled the end of the match. It was the second time that both teams ended their match in a 1-1 draw.