Emdad Rahman
It was almost a game of two halves as Bishwanath just about held off Derai to win a pulsating game 3-2.
A fast paced start from Bishwanath set the tone for a highly entertaining game as the boys in blue raced into an out of sight 3-0 first half lead. Former Sporting Bengal star Shelim Shakir dictated the pace from the back just as an old fashioned sweeper would have done, and this bolstered the Bishwanath midfield. It was no surprise that Derai failed to control the offensive runners as Bishwanath strolled into a 1-0 lead through debutant Mohammed Akhtar.
Derai took a more tenacious approach and some strong tackling led to Mohibur Rahman leaving the pitch with a sore calf. Five minutes later Toffazzal raced clear for 2-0, and three minutes before the break Akhtar lost his marker with ease to make it three.
Derai rallied in the second half and created a few decent chances, but makeshift goalkeeper Khalis in the Bishwanath goal marshalled his area and goal well. Football is a game of two halves, and with Bishwanath failing to capitalise on further chances a resurgent Derai countered and scored through Foyzur Rahman.
Shofiqul Islam urged his team on, and with six minutes remaining Bodrul Choudhury smashed in another to reduce the deficit to a single goal. With a minute remaining and the momentum with Derai, Choudhury thumped the crossbar – with the ball coming down on the goal line. Referee Arman Ali deemed the ball not to have crossed the line and blew the final whistle seconds later.
Derai manager Shofiqul Islam said, “I felt we took a while to settle into our game in the first half and by that time we had lost plenty of ground. However the boys showed great tenacity to pull two goals back. I thought we deserved a draw, especially with the ball coming down off the crossbar.”
Victorious Bishwanath manager Dawlath Khan Babul added, “The boys were solid throughout. We were off the blocks quicker and I think that was the main difference this evening. They switched off in the second half and allowed Derai to get back back into the game and in the end I thought they were unlucky not to get a draw.”
•Referee: Arman Ali
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