Christian Boateng scored a stoppage-time penalty in the first half as FC Samartex extended their unbeaten start to the Ghana Premier League season with a 1-0 victory over Young Apostles.
The forward held his nerve in the 45th minute at the Nsenkyire Sports Arena on Sunday to secure a third win in five matches for the home side.
The result lifts Samartex to 11 points and keeps them third in the table, while Young Apostles stay 17th after a fourth defeat in five outings.
Samartex dominated the opening period but found Young Apostles difficult to break down, with the visitors defending deep and in numbers.
The deadlock was finally broken deep into first-half added time when the referee pointed to the spot, and Boateng calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to mark his second goal of the season.
Young Apostles showed more attacking intent after the break and pressed for a leveller, but Samartex's defence - which has conceded just three goals in five league games this season - remained resolute.
The visitors, who have now managed only two goals all campaign, struggled to create a clear-cut opportunity despite their late pressure.
For Samartex, the hard-fought win ends a run of back-to-back draws against Asante Kotoko and Swedru All Blacks and maintains their impressive early-season momentum.
Young Apostles, meanwhile, have now conceded nine goals this term and remain firmly in the relegation places after collecting just three points from a possible 15.
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