Katsina United defeated Heartland by a single goal in a mid-table clash of the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) on Friday.
Mohammed Ibrahim scored the winning goal on 74 minutes as Katsina United saw out a closely-contested match at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium in Katsina.
Heartland head coach, Emmanuel Amuneke, named a squad without suspended influential defender, Christian Molokwu, whose place was taken by Samuel Agu while the duo of Suraju Lawal and Tobi Iyanda started from the bench as Daniel Ekpo and Joel Okoro were preferred as starters.
Azeez Mohammed named a strong starting side that included key men Usman Barau, Moses Achare and Lukman Bello.
The early moments of the match produced little to talk about until 10 minutes to the break when Emmanuel Okoko volleyed an attempt from outside the box which was deflected by his teammate.
In the second half, Heartland goalkeeper Kelvin Ogunga produced a point-blank save to deny the home side from taking the lead.
For a larger part of the second half, Heartland were hemmed in their half and the winner came 16 minutes before when Mohammed Ibrahim finished from a loose ball from close range after the away side failed to clear their lines from a corner kick.
Immediately Amuneke swung into action sending on John Bassey and Stephen Ezeamaiwe for Emmanuel Charles and Terdo Shimagande but Katsina United held on to their lead.
The win takes Katsina United to 13th place on 29 points while Heartland are in 11th spot with 29 points as well.