Hearts of Oak closed in on leaders Asante Kotoko after a 2-0 win over ten-man Elmina Sharks in Accra on Sunday night moved them back to second place.
The Phobians are now two points behind the Porcupine Warriors who dropped points in that 1-1 draw with Liberty Professionals in Sogakope.
Samuel Boadu’s charges had to recover from a first half penalty miss to pull the victory rag from under the feet of their opponents.
Three minutes before the half time whistle, Hearts were awarded a penalty after a Sharks defender Isaac Donkor handled a goal bound shot from Obeng Jnr.
Donkor was flashed the red card and Victor Aidoo had his spot kick saved by Martey as the teams retired into the tunnel goalless.
A horrendous kick by Sharks goalkeeper Lord Bawa Martey came off substitute Isaac Mensah to give Hearts the opener in the 68th minute.
Martey made a hush of a back pass from right back Suraj Ibrahim who early on in the match picked up a yellow card.
The Phobians got an early corner after swamping pressure on Sharks and it was quickly taken by Salifu Ibrahim but Kwadwo Obeng Jnr headed wide.
Sharks popped up with a dangerous move but Raddy Ovouka, the Congo international, scurried back to cover his lines and made a clearance to prevent the visitors from causing havoc.
Ovouka took a shot at goal but missed the target narrowly.
Hearts sustained the pressure as Sharks could not adjust to their numerical weakness.
The Phobians doubled their lead in the 79th minute when Benjamin Afutu headed in a pass at the near post.
Raphael Essien was teed up from a short free kick taken from the edge of the box and his shot a goal found Afutu, who was left unmarked.
In injury time, Kingsley Braye went on a solo run and shrugged off several attacks but his shot at goal was wide.
