The veteran striker connected Kofi Marshah's free-kick with a gliding header to the near post on the quarter hour mark before agile goalkeeper Haruna Aziz Dari could react.

Gifted Marshah nearly doubled the lead for in-form Dreams FC after 34 minutes but his long volley was parried over the bar by goalkeeper Dari.

As Bechem United reeled under pressure, they became temperamental and resorted to rough tactics, compelling referee Nathan Anafo to dish out his yellow cards like candies to control the game.

However, the tide turned in favour of the visitors after recess, leaving Esso to end the game with a bandaged head as he tried to reverse the trend of play with another goal.

In the 55th minute, Dreams FC goalkeeper Gidios Aseako saved Darlvin Yeboah's point-blank shot while enterprising striker, Abdul Razak Salifu was painfully denied by Dari after hitting the upright against the run of play on the hour mark.