By Femi Atolagbe

A hat-trick from Sunday Ossai was all Ijapo Ages Stars FC (IASFC) needed to crush Royal Goldwin Soccer Academy 3-1 in the ongoing Regional Football League at the Ijapo Housing Field, Akure, the Ondo State capital.

Ossai drew first blood in the 3rd minute, putting the Ijapo-based side ahead with a well-taken free kick from his teammate.

Royal Goldwin responded swiftly, eager to level the scores, but IASFC goalkeeper, Ayomide Gabriel, denied them an equaliser.

The star forward, Ossai, wasted no time in doubling his side’s lead, finishing off a brilliant team move in the 34th minute.

Ijapo Ages Stars pressed for a third before the break, but their efforts proved futile as the centre referee signalled the end of the first half.

On resumption, both sides displayed impressive football artistry to the admiration of the spectators.

Ossai completed his hat-trick in style, unleashing a stunning 25-metre screamer in the 55th minute. However, Royal Goldwin Academy pulled one back a few minutes later.

The IASFC talisman thought he had grabbed his fourth of the evening, only to see his last-ditch effort sail inches wide of the post, leaving the scoreline unchanged at 3-1.

Meanwhile, Florence Joshua (FJ) edged out Saint FC 2-1 in the opening match of the day, while FC Ebile thrashed Dynamo FC 3-0 in the third match of matchday 3.

Ijapo Ages Stars FC will lock horns with Dynamo FC on Thursday at the same venue.