Mohammedan’s amazing form continued as they grasped a last minute winner from their golden boy Sadique Ali Ahmed. This is their 4th last minute winner in as many games and emphasises the team spirit, never die attitude which has been their 12th man throughout the season
The stage was set for Shadwell to take revenge on their rivals for getting beaten 2-1 in the first encounter between the two club in the first half of the season and to diminish any hopes of MSC winning the league.
The game started brightly as both teams chased the ball to retain possession. Mohammedan knew that anything less than a result will be their title quest over. Shadwell had their pride to play for and unleashed a full strength team for the first time this season. A contrast to their previous game where they started with 10 men against E7 and had players turn up 10 minutes before kick off, literally handing the game to E7.
MSC scored first, with an outstanding cross field pass by the amazing SAMME. The ball was chased by both Foyzul Hoque and Shelim Shakir, however the striker showed enormous quality and grit to withstand the pressure from one the best defender in the league to lob the Shadwell keeper from an acute angle. 1-0 to MSC.
Shadwell retaliated quickly, from a corner, Shelim shakir scored his trademark goal.
Half time
A lot of harsh words was exchanged in the MSC camp, both managers not happy with the effort the players, failing to close the Shadwell players. It was emphasised that MSC had more to lose and needed to toughen up and play with intensity
The second half started with a bang, tackles flying in, and commitment from both sets of players. This game has historically been battled out in this manner and this tradition seemed to be continued by this new generation of players.
MSC created a handful of chances and one to highlight was a one two between the captain Juned Ali and Raju and juned trying to bend one in the corner, but the keeper read the shot and parried the ball, only to land in front of the prolific Sadique. However Sadique failed to capitalise from 2 yards, Could this miss be costly was the thoughts in everyone’s mind.
MSC’s Left back Shamim Khan continued his amazing run of form, with dribbling past 3 Shadwell players o none occasion before having his shot saved by the keeper. It was true Brazilian style play from the full back.
As the game progressed MSC looked to grow in confidence and took control of the game, Shadwell at this stage looked like they were playing for a draw as they subbed their striker for a defensive midifldder bringing on Basit.
There were waves of attack after attack from MSC now as they knew a goal is a must. 92 minutes on the clock, and one last attack by MSC, the ball crossed in the box only for the CB of Shadwell to head it back out, the ball is challenged by Samme, and Raju the player manager, instantly controls the ball whilst turning towards the goal and hits a ball in the area where sadique ali calmly guides the ball in the back of the net.
Amazing celebration follows. The crowd goes wild, players jumping on each other. This was a war, and MSC won it with sheer hard work, perseverance and their famous ‘never die attitude’.
MSC might not win the league anymore but that’s their 7 win on a trot and an amazing season they have had.
The goal scorer Sadique ali said after the game
‘ we never know when to accept defeat, we are a team that has immense belief and we have shown time and time again this season…’
The veteran defender Maruf uddin said after the game
‘I’ve played in so many derby games with Shadwell but this was the sweetest victory due to the circumstances’
Foyzul hoque, the manager of MSC said after the game ‘The league is not over yet….we will try to win our last game to finish the season on a high. A well deserved victory and the lads deserve all the praise they get’
This leaves MSC in second place and even though the league is not in their hands, they have done the league proud by taking it right down to the wire…