Mustafa Shahid hat-trick sees Stepney FC retain top spot

Muhammad Ismael

MUSTAFA SHAHID scored the perfect hat trick as Stepney FC made hard work of beating Robin Hood Tigers to start 2017 at the top of the Inner London Winter Football League. 

Muj Rahman’s men went a goal down before a right foot equaliser from Mustafa Shahid levelled matters. Stepney went behind again, before evergreen striker, Captain Mufi Uddin, equalised to send both teams in level at the interval.

A half time rocket from Rahman at the shaky defending spurred Stepney into gear, and three second half goals saw the Reds ease home. Skipper Uddin scored a second to cement his place at the top of the goal scorers chart and put Stepney in front for the very first time in the match. Eighteen year old Majid Choudhury produced the moment of the match – beating six players and flying down the wing, before pulling back inch perfect from the touch line for Mustafa Shahid to curl in left footed for his second and Stepney’s fourth. Choudhury’s pinpoint cross in injury time left Shahid to head home the fifth and complete his hat trick. The youngster was voted man of the match.

Stepney Manager Muj Rahman said, “A team chasing honours can ill afford our first half performance, but all credit to the team for the turnaround. They are seasoned campaigners and still have that drive and desire. I’m really proud at how we turned things over.”

After the game, Manager Muj Rahman and Chair Emdad Rahman MBE presented a specially framed club shirt to Tommy’s UK – the club’s shirt sponsors. Managing Director Abu Shahid said, “We are delighted at how Stepney FC are doing and are proud to be associated with this great club. We feel privileged that the Club Chair and Manager actually visited us at our Roman Road store today to present this special gift. It will take pride of place on our wall.”

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