AshGold stay top of the table

On a rainy afternoon at the Obuasi Len Clay sports stadium, Ashanti Gold extended their lead (at least for 24 hours) at the top of the First Capital Plus Bank premier league after beating Tema-based Inter Allies 2 - 0 on Match week thirteen.

A goal in each half through Petrus Shitembe and Emmanuel Osei's thunderbolt from 30 yards were enough to secure top spot for Ashanti Gold after Match week thirteen.

Before the Miners got the game underway, a minute silence was observed in memory of the late Michael Asante who passed on last Wednesday.

After suffering a surprise 1-0 defeat to B.A United on Match week twelve, the alacrity with which the Miners began the game showed their intent to write the wrongs which led to their six points lead at the top of the table cut to three.

It was Inter Allies who made the early incursion in the game and won a quick free kick at the right side of the pitch but Prosper Kasim's effort was hit straight against the human wall on two minutes. Mustapha Odam denied the host with a magnificent save on seven minutes after captain Joseph Aidoo fell down. A minute later, Lawson Sabah brought down Mohammed Yakubu close to the Eleven Is To One penalty area.

Mohammed Yakubu elected himself for the free kick, hit it well, but it deflected off the human wall for Odam to punch away. Ashanti Gold didn't have to wait for long for the first goal of the game to arrive. Petrus Shitembe read Mohammed Yakubu's delicious through ball to beat Mustapha Odam who had a brilliant time in post.

Inter Allies almost responded immediately through Frederick Yamoah, but his volley went agonisingly wide. Prosper Kasim sent it a promising cross, Sheriff Deo Mohammed met it with a powerful header, but Black Stars goalkeeper Fatau Dauda pulled off a magical save to keep the host in the lead.

Fredrick Yamoah went for the rebound, but missed the net by inches.

Mohammed Kadri was the first player to go into the referee's book on 35 minutes after he brought down Gockel Ahorto. Mustapha Odam was the busy man of the afternoon and would be grateful he went into the dressing room for recess with only a goal in basket.

After the first department of the game, Inter Allies took grip ofproceedings but could not make any meaningful incursions. Paa Kwesi Fabin brought in two fresh legs on 51 minutes to keep the tempo of the game high as they pushed for the leveller. Lord Ofosuheneand Sulley Mohammed came on for Gockel Ahortor and Fredrick Yamoah respectively.

AshGold were resolute and took control once again, enjoying a period of good possession without creating major chances. Inter Allies best chance of the game fell to Lawson Sabah picked up Niare Benogo in the box, the former goes one-on-one with Fatau Dauda but shot straight to the waiting arms of Fatau Dauda. They were punished five minutes later by Emmanuel Osei from about 30 yards strike to double the lead.

A contender for goal of the sea. Bashir Hayford effected his first substitution a minute later, Mohammed Yakubu came off and was replaced by Joseph Ato Bissah. And Inter Allies also made their final substitution as Simon Martey replaced Lawson Sabah. The second goal gave Ashanti Gold a total control of the game and nothing seemed to be working for the Eleven Is To One. Amos Addai of AshGold was cautioned for a foul mouth against the referee.

Forgotten man Sulley Mohammed's tried a long-range shot, but it was blocked, Lord Ofosuhene followed up with the rebound but his effort went tries off target.

Inter Allies had a last minute opportunity to get a consolation goal from a dead ball situation after Prosper Kasim was brought down near the Miners box, but Niare Benogo hit it harmlessly into the skies. And AshGold stay top of the table for another week.