Plateau United 4 ABS 1: Reuben Bala’s hattrick takes Boboye’s men back to the top

Reuben Bala’s first professional hat trick gave Plateau United a comfortable 4-1 victory over ABS at the Rwang Pam Township Stadium in Jos and took Kennedy Boboye’s men back to the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League table.

Three goals from Reuben Bala and Joshua Obaje’s header ensured Plateau United came top in Jos.

Plateau United started the game with the intention to win the tie and went ahead in the 20th minute of the tie through Joshua Obaje who nodded home Mafeng’s cross.

Shortly after Plateau United took the lead, the away team who have had decent away run in the NPFL this season got the equalizer through Hamisu Saleh’s own goal.

With five minutes left before the halftime, the referee awarded a penalty to Plateau United after ABS defender Ernest Governor handled the ball in the box. Reuben Bala stepped up and converted from the spot to restore the home side’s lead.

At the end of the first half, it was Plateau United 2 ABS 1.

In the 70th minute of the game, Reuben Bala headed in Daniel Itodo’s long throw-in to give Plateau a two-goal cushion and in the 92nd minute, Reuben Bala scored from the spot to record his first ever professional hat-trick and Plateau’s 4th of the night.

The result means Plateau United are now back at the top of the NPFL while ABS with 21 points are 8th on the log.