The Bankers came into the clash with a point to prove after last week’s shock defeat to Army — their first loss of the season — allowed GRA to snatch top spot.

But in front of an expectant Accra crowd, Exchequers showed their pedigree, completing a remarkable 10-0 aggregate over GRA this season following their 7-0 humiliation in the first round.

“There’s no secret to our edge over GRA since 2015; it’s pure determination and hard work,” said Exchequers’ star forward Elorm Akaba. “This season is tough and unpredictable, so we’ll stay focused, work harder and take each game as it comes.”

The win lifts Exchequers to 17 points, one ahead of Army, who notched their fourth straight win with a ruthless 6-0 demolition of winless Legon Knights.

Army captain Stephen Ofosu Asamoah made their intentions clear: “We need more goals, so we went all out today. We’re determined to win all our remaining matches and take the title. That’s the goal.”

Police also climbed into the mix, moving to third on 15 points and on level with GRA, who drop to fourth on goal difference after suffering their third defeat of the campaign. Reformers of Prisons sit fifth on nine points, with Ark Men and Legon Knights anchored at the bottom on two points each.

Royal Ladies march on

Over in the women’s division, GRA Royal Ladies are looking unstoppable. They maintained their 100 per cent record with a 2-0 victory over Army Ladies, stretching their lead at the top to eight points after a seventh straight win.

Police Ladies kept their faint title hopes alive with a 5-0 thumping of Legon Knights Ladies to stay in second on 12 points.

Extinguishers and Reformers follow on seven and five points respectively after their 1-1 draw, while Legon Knights remain rooted to the foot of the table with just a single point.