Ayinla Showers Praises On Players Over Gateway Utd 's One-All Draw Against J.Atete

Coach Toyin Ayinla of Gateway United Football Club has  commended his side for securing a vital point on the road against Julius Atete FC to sustain the campaign for promotion to the elite Nigeria Professional Football League NPFL this season

Ayinla who praised his players for the feat against the Delta State based team, described the stadium as  a very difficult ground.

His words,"It's our first point on the road this season, that makes it a special one for us. We came for a win but we got a draw. The players showed great character and resilience. It was a difficult game. It's not easy chasing a game here in Otu Jeremi. We simply gave it a good fight. We will continue to get better. There's so much to come. So much in the offing" he concluded. 

Gateway United on Saturday held J Atete to a 1-1 draw  at Otu Jeremi Stadium, Delta State in a matchday 9 fixture of the 2021/2022 second tier Nigeria National League NNL season. 

Oronsaye James canceled out Edewor Godstime's opener at the death as both teams shared the available points

Coach Ayinla made two changes to the squad that defeated Adoration FC with  Ogunleye Sulaimon and Agada Ameh returning to the lineup. 

It was the hosts who first forced Araromi Ibukun to a fine save  denying Edewor Godstime at the near post.

Atete's Ekeku Daniel came close in the half hour mark with a low effort that spiralled off target.

Ogunronbi Hawal replied with a long goalward  effort tipped over by Atete's Joke Efewara. 

After a goalless first half, the hosts took the lead 6 minutes into the second half as Edewor Godstime drilled a low effort past Araromi Ibukun in a one on one situation. 

With the quartet of Sanni Jamiu, Babalola Azeez, Abawula Anthony and Isiaka Olawale joining the fray, powers changed hands as the visitors became fluid in the middle of the pack.

Sanni Jamiu showed intent in the final 20 minutes by hitting a rocket which flew straight at the goalie.

With the game coasting home in the final 3 minutes, Samuel Akintola dinked a long ball to Iwundu Chidozie, who then cut back for Oronsaye James at the right flank, James sent home a one time low effort, and that  rescued a point for the visiting side.  

The Abeokuta based side according to its  Media Officer, Moses Ojewumi, will  face Ibom Youth next in Matchday 10 in Abeokuta.