Revenge is sweet as Shadwell claim BFA League Cup final

Emdad Rahman

Shadwell put behind the disappointment of the Shires Cup behind them to beat Sylhet FC in the final of the BFA Summer League Cup 2016.

Both teams had met in the last eight of The Shires Cup in Luton the day before. That derby was a hotly contested game and was won by Sylhet FC after a moment of magic from Moin Miah. Sylhet went on to claim the Shires Cup as champions.

For the BFA Cup final 24 hours later, Shadwell had a different game plan. Shelim Shakir came back into the team alongside stalwarts Mujahid Hussain, Sana Miah, Abdul Hamid and Bodrul Zaman.

From his role in the managerial hot seat Shadwell legend Jamal Uddin plotted and executed a revenge plan to perfection as his team wrapped up the double. Shadwell controlled the first half, and with their superior fitness and youth Sylhet dominated the second half. Manager Kamal Chowdhury drafted in playmaker Abdul Wahid to bolster the midfield, yet despite the added spark and creativity both teams failed to score.

And so to penalties, and it was Shadwell who held their nerve as Sylhet missed two spot kicks to ensure a 4-3 victory and a historic double. The outstanding Helal Uzzaman, who had made several outstanding second half saves, dislocated his shoulder and still went on to save two penalties in the shootout. The veteran goalkeeping great was the clear choice for man of the match.

Shadwell head coach Jamal Uddin said, “We were disappointed to lose the Shires Cup 24 hours earlier. Sylhet FC were tremendous and had great energy throughout and this was a factor I considered as part of my planning today. I bought back the old timers and despite not quite having the legs these days these boys definitely have the knowhow. And it has paid off. Well done to the team on achieving a historic double.”

[Adverts]