Emdad Rahman
A FRIENDLY GAME in Milton Keynes saw honours even as Whitechapel based Sylhet FC locked horns with Milton Keynes Durbar at Lynmouth Crescent – the home of MK Galacticos.
Pervez Choudhury (PB) deployed an attacking formation, but Tarik Ali’s home side opened the scoring on 17 minutes through Toyab. The lead didn’t last long as the influential Abul Hussain equalised seven minutes later.
With the momentum swinging towards Sylhet, the visitors struck again another seven minutes later through Hakim with an assist from Alam. Sylhet managed pressure from the home side to go in ahead at half time.
A rocket from Ali at the interval saw MK come out fighting and Shahin levelled matters on 59 minutes. With seven minute cycles the theme throughout the game, Habib nipped in to make it 3-2 to MK from a through ball from playmaker Alam.
PB rang changes and on 67 minutes a wonder free kick from Kamal Choudhury once again evened out proceedings.
There were to be no more goals as both teams shared the spoils. The feeling of amity and friendship continued as local restaurateur and MK star Abdul Kalam hosted a tasty lunch for both teams at his acclaimed Dinajpur Restaurant.
MK manager Tarik Ali said, “We are proud to have hosted Sylhet FC today. They have a reputation built on winning regular silverware. I think we gave an excellent account of ourselves and gave our opponents plenty of food for thought.”
Sylhet manager Pervez Choudhury added, “It was a splendid game and credit to our opponents for providing such strong opposition. The talent throughout was superb. In the end it was a fair result but to be honest both teams could have won the game. I would like to extend on behalf of Sylhet FC our gratitude to our hosts and Dinajpur restaurant for the fantastic welcome and hospitality.”
Man of the match: Alam (MK) Referee: Mark Steve Assistant Referees: Imtiaj Ahmed & Siraj Miah
•Read more about it: Choudhury gets extended run at Sylhet FC Football friendly supports cancer charity
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