PLATEAU posted a season record 7-0 against Kwara United to enhance their chances of escaping the drop in the Nigeria Premier League.The Jos club remain third from bottom with 38 points. They now have two matches in Jos against city rivals JUTH, who are rock bottom of the table, and Heartland.Their other match is away at struggling Crown FC, who are second from bottom with 34 points after a 2-1 loss at champions Enyimba of Aba.'I have always maintained that Plateau United will not be relegated,' said a bullish Bitrus Bewarang, who has doubled as general manager and coach of the team from the tin city after Nduka Ndubuisi was fired after a poor run of results.Zamfara United also made a strong case for survival in the top flight with a 2-1 home win over Lobi Stars.Gombe United recorded their 13th win at home when they turned away Niger Tornadoes. They have now climbed a spot to 13th position with 46 points.Hosts 3SC also profited from Heartland lining up a second-rate team to win by the odd goal and move away from the drop zone as well.At the top of the standings, Sunshine took a massive step towards claiming their first-ever NPL title as they pulled three points away from closest rivals Dolphin courtesy of a thrilling 3-2 home win.Ghanaian striker Owusu Addae netted his fifth goal to put Dolphin ahead before Ajani Ibrahim hit back at his former club.In the second half, Cletus Itodo and Dele Olorundare lifted Sunshine before Emma Nwachi pulled a goal back with a late penalty.The other big winners at the top of the pile were Kano Pillars, who downed a fired-up Ocean Boys with two second-half goals by Rabiu Ali and John Huan.Their next match away at Warri Wolves, who fell 2-0 at Sharks, will most likely define their season.Pillars have now shot to third place on 62 points as Warri Wolves slipped to fifth.Enugu Rangers also moved up to fourth after they dumped Kaduna United 3-0 with goals from Ifeanyi Egwim, Kabiru Umar and Akeem Yakubu.But champions Enyimba continued their push up the table with a second straight NPL win with second half goals by Philip Auta and Ifeanyi Ede. They are now sixth with 57 points.The next round of matches will be played on Wednesday, November 2.
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