Joseph Esso registered a brace as he inspired Hearts of Oak to winning ways with a 2-1 win over his former side Ebusua Dwarfs.

Two first half goals from striker saw the Phobians recover from back to back defeats to record their second win in the NC Special Competition.

Returnee Bright Lukman pulled one back for the visitors.

Esso could have grabbed a hat trick by putting the Phobians in a 3-1 lead but a late penalty miss from left the result 2-1.

Joseph Esso lashed onto a Kojo Obeng Jnr laced pass to open the virginity of the game under just a minute.

The visitors warmed their way into the game halfway in the first half and came close to getting an equalizer only for a strike from the Dwarfs attacker to hit the post.

Christopher Bonney was replaced by Salassie Bakai when the defender pucked an injury earlier in the gane.

Robert Addo Sowah also replaced Kwadwo Obeng Junior who collided with Dwarfs goalie and was forced out of the game just a minute after Bonney was pulled out.

Dwarfs were also forced into making an early change with former Hearts striker Bright Luqman coming on for Abudu Dramani.

But with six minute to end the half, Esso doubled the lead after rounding off Dwarfs goalkeeper Danso Wiredu.

Bright Lukman benefited from a hard pressing game from the Cape Coast side to pull one back to reduce the tally with eight minutes to end proceedings.

Three minutes later Hearts were awarded a penalty but Joseph Esso failed grab a hat-trick after his feeble shot was saved by Danso Wiredu.