Emdad Rahman Stepney 4-2 St Katharine’s
Stepney FC rounded off a satisfactory year with a four goal victory over St Katharine’s to go into the Christmas break as leaders of the Inner London Football League Premier Division.
Shahidur Rahman set Stepney on the way with the opener, but his strike was cancelled out by a spectacular own goal headed in by assistant player manager Russell Choudhury. Mustafa Shahid scored to restore the lead for Stepney before veteran striker Mufi Uddin beat the keeper with a pinpoint strike from a tight angle to make it 3-1.
Uddin became provider as his square ball in from the flank gave Mustafa Shahid a golden chance to put further daylight between both teams. The Stepney frontman was composed enough to score at the second attempt after his initial shot was blocked by a defender. It was his last contribution to the game as he was replaced by Harun Rashid.
Stepney manager Muj Rahman was pleased with the win. With club number one Sham Zaman ruled out and second keeper Ruku Sultan recovering from a shoulder injury, it was left to Rahman to take his place between the posts. He said: “It’s great to be top of the table at Christmas, but unfortunately the league doesn’t finish at the end of the calendar year. The boys were excellent throughout and we will use the festive period to recharge and plan for the tough league run in. There are plenty of competitive games remaining and things are very far from over. In my opinion St Katherine’s are in a false position, being second from bottom of the table. They battled throughout and never let their heads drop.”
The win means the Tower Hamlets club enters Christmas and finishes the year as Premier Division leaders, three points ahead of Ace and Beaumont. Both Stepney and Ace have a game in hand over third placed Beaumont, who were hammered 8-1 by fourth placed Robin Hood Tigers.
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