The exhilarating game itself was an intensely fought with battles taking place in every department of the pitch. A game of nerves, opportunities, misses and amazing saves followed by one magical moment had the crowd on their toes throughout the whole game.

Both Mohammedan and Bricklane displayed a very strong defensive strategy from the start. Eager not to concede the first goal, both teams were very effective at breaking down each others attacks and stopping the fluidity of the play. Bricklane however dominated throughout the game (for upto 75 minutes) with better passing, better first touch control on the ball and by getting men behind the ball.

Both teams had ample opportunities to score, with Bricklane looking like the most deserved team to take the lead. But due to a lack of clinical finishing and missed opportunities, Bricklane failed to take the game by the horns. Their amazing young striker, Altaf missed a golden opportunity to take lead, but was denied due to a bobble on the pitch, leading him to completely miss cue his shot and miss the ball from 8 yards out.

Mohammedan also had their chances, but were denied by the Bricklane keeper, Ruhel,  who was on fantastic form. Ruhel would have been deserved of the Man of the Match title had they won. But this honour was to be recieved by another hero, a player who helped Mohammedan clinch the victory with seconds remaining on the clock.

A stroke of genius was to set the teams apart and decide the final outcome of the game. Mohammedan were trailing quite far behind in the first half. The former league champions looked sluggish and lacklustre against an up and coming young, energetic, youthful Bricklane team. However, due to resilience, grit and determination, the team finally managed to lift up their spirits, knowing that the title was at stake and a point would not suffice. Had Mohammedan lost this game, the run for the title would surely be over. The team needed the victory and started to treat the game as more of a cup final rather than just another Sunday afternoon league match.

This eagerness to win amplified their enthusiasm on the pitch and lead to a wave of attacks towards  the Bricklane goal in the latter part of the second half. Both teams played a very direct style of counter attacking football in the last twenty minutes, with Mohammedan forcing more saves and blocks from the Bricklane defence. The end to end pace of the game was taking a toll on all the players on the pitch. Stamina was the key to winning the game and unlocking the result, both teams had given it their all, but only the fittest were to survive. After an array of missed opportunities, the game was looking as though it may head for a stalemate. But one piece of magic, skill and brilliance was to prove otherwise.

It was predicted that something special was definitely needed to separate the two teams after an arduous work out for both teams.  With only seconds to go before the end of the game, Mohammedan winger Sadique drifted towards the centre of the pitch and gave a diagonal aeirel through pass through to Raju, from just outside the box. The ball was perfectly lifted above the bricklane defence only for Raju, who had broken the offside trap, to latch on to the ball inside the penalty area and finish it with classy lifted half volley into the back of the net. Raju was determined to lead by example as Joint Player Manager of the team and proved it by scoring an amazing goal.

This Victory for Mohammedan has taken them to third place and a step closer towards fighting for the title, where as Bricklane, who would have been happy with a draw, are further deepened into worry after edging towards a fight for survival in 7th place.

Fozzie, Mohammedan Joint Player Manager / Coach concluded by saying:

“This game was always going o be a tight one, local derby’s always seem to be closely fought and contested. But we won in the end, even though we could have played better. This is a sign of a potential championship winning side. A team who, although playing not so well, can  grind out an important result”.

With plenty of big games ahead, Mohammedan must treat every game as a must win game.

Follow the teams and Upcoming Fixtures and League tables here:

Inner London Football League

MSC 6  – Island 0

The first half of the game was just pure frustrating from the MSC side, although playing good football, the finishing wasn’t there. With the opportunity to go 5 goals ahead, MSC were not able to put the ball in the back of the net.

Island who have been on a good winning streak came to end, playing Tony Sparks in the middle of the pitch with Ryan and Chuckie, their aim was to over power Sami, Abdal and Raju, their attempt was made redundant, and MSC midfielders were moving the ball around too quick for them catch us.

Within the first half 15 minutes of the game, Abdal took a blow, as he pulled his hamstrings and had to be subbed off, being replaced with Matty (striker), Fozzie dropped in the middle of the field, first 5 minuted the middle 3 struggle to get a grips of the game, but after that, it was all smooth sailing.

As the half time whistle blew, MSC were acting like it was a defeat, the team talk was harsh and concise, but needed, all the pent up frustration had to be explained. MSC started the second half with great enthusiasm, energy and drive, this was shown by the goal which scored by Matty, leading to a flood of goals.

MSC were playing some spectacular football, retaining 70% possession of the ball. One goal which stands out the most from the whole game, came from our hatrick hero. The ball was passed to the left, Sadik doing what he does best, cut in through the middle, baffling Island players, took a shot 30 yards out, the ball was beautifully hit as a result the goal went in the top right hand side.

Matty shortly added his second and MSC’s 5th goal of the game from a lovely layoff from Foyzul and Khurram scored moments later from a precise through ball from Raju.

All in all, the game was won in a convincing manner, playing football like Barcelona, and scoring goals for the fun of it, a good team performance.

Well done MSC.

It was a performance of high intensity, classic tactical display and sheer technical brilliance by MSC to see of the league leaders in an emphatic and much needed win. Adopting a 4-5-1 formation, MSC kept the midfield compact and solid. with the likes of Juned Ali (teams engine) alongside Raju and  Abdal (distributing masters) just playing in front of him in the middle, and MSC’s two notorious beasts Emranul and Sami playing centre back, E7 knew they had to come up with something extraordinary to break this highly motivated, fierce and determined MSC team (which they obviously couldn’t).

A great performance by Sadique Ali and Shumon Khan on both wings with there lightning speed and amazing ball skills and the player who everyone hates defending against because of his lethal footwork and class finishing style, MSC’s very own ‘ACE’ card Foyzul Hoque.

The MSC back 4 seemed comfortable and steady through out the game, full-backs Shamim Khan ( DABANG) and Kamal Khan ( BULLET) looked relatively untroubled by the E7 wingers as they seem to look much fitter and stronger.

Iqbal Hussain produced a fantastic save in the first half and other than that he was admiring his team mate’s magnificent performance and battling desires as they protected him from the very few E7 chances.

Now the juicy part of the game, the GOALS!!! The first came from an outstanding counter attack when Abdal gave a great over the top ball to Foyzal who then put in an excellent left foot cross to Shumon who executed the ball to the back of the net with a powerful side volley whilst in the air.

The second was also an excellent counter attack, as MSC defence stopped E7′s attack and were quickly on the move the ball went to Saddique who left the E7 right back for dead and gave a diagonal through ball to Raju who then calmly slotted the ball to the back of the net with his favourite left foot, it was inch perfect! 2-0 up in the first 30mins and fanatic celebrations from the MSC fans and faithfuls.

The third came from a well worked MSC corner, again Abdal provided a mind-blowing whipping corner which saw Emranul getting at the end of it with a very powerful header. That’s his 7th goal of the campaign. A magnificent feat!

The fourth goal was a cheeky penalty by Sami which left the keeper standing after Foyzal was bought down in the box after a turn cryuff would have been proud off leaving the defender with no choice other than making a clumsy tackle.

It would be fair to say MSC looked the far superior team against E7 throughout the match and the positive team spirit that the camp has (including fans and well-wishers) was easy to witness. This performance gives MSC the perfect platform now to go in to next week’s game fearless!

The missed chances were to be costly as the veteran Shajjad Rahman of Newark, scored a goal to roll back the years, sprinting with the ball from 50 yards and scoring a marvellous goal. 1-0 to Newark. MSC still pressed hard and created opportunities however conceded a second shortly from a corner as Shajjad Rahman leapt the highest to head home the second for Newark. It was shocking defending from MSC as they failed to pick up their markers giving Newark players free spaces to attack the ball at will. It was time to roll up their sleeves and fight back.

MSC pulled a goal back, courtesy of a mix up between the Newark’s centre back and their goal keeper. Shumon Miah (HULK) slotted neatly his second goal in as many games. 2-1 and GAME ON!

MSC surged forward to equalise and wer set back immediately to a 3-1 deficit as Newark scored again. It was 5 minutes to go before half time and Newark tried to see off the half to protect their surprising lead however a sensational goal from Emranul Hoque, who skillfully skipped passed two playes, positioned himself outside of the box to rocket a 30 yard shot swerving past the keeper, in the top corner to make it 3-2, just before the ref whistled to make it half time.

In the half time team talk, the Manager Foyzul Hoque ripped in to his players for lack of passion and determination on the field. He outlined that players were not communicating as well as they should be and defending was poor to say the least. The manager’s talk inspired and urged the players to put in a shift and work hard for one another in the second spell of the match. But would it pay off?

The second half was completely different. MSC looked sharper and their passing was more fluid. The team looked like a unit now and every player was doing their duty. MSC went on the attack and a pass from Sadique Ali put Raju through on goal, he hit a shot which was parried by the defender and Akthar Hussain, who was terrorising his defender all day long, squared the ball to the HULK who powered in the equaliser. MSC looked strong now and the likelier team to win the match.

A glorious opportunity was thrown away when Raju again delivered a fantastic ball in the penalty area and Omar Faroque blazed the ball over from six yard, however the belief was still there and the MSC faithful and fans where urging the team to go forward at every opportunity.
The team finally took the lead when Sadique Ali (magical performance yet again) ran one on one with the keeper, kept his cool and slotted the ball home. 4-3 to MSC. MSC had taken the lead for the first time in the game. This goal was like a dagger through the heart for Newark’s players who couldn’t believe that they had lost a 2 goals lead. After 10 minutes a long ball was played to Shumon Miah who flicked the ball to Raju who neatly finished the move with a cushion touch lobbying the keeper with absolute precision.

Surely the game was now over. However Newark showed great determination and pulled a goal back, to leave MSC in a difficult position. Foyzul Hoque brought on a defensive player to make sure the defence was tight and the trick worked. The ref blew the final whistle to the delight of MSC players. A massive three points and a replica of the Arsenal and Chelsea game over the weekend, with examples of goals, missed opportunities and even examples of “John Terry” like slip ups.

‘Massive win and bring on Abohani now…’ said joint manager Foyzul Hoque.

This is my motto, give everything one has and prepare for the finishing line, remember its not a sprint its a marathon.

I am extremely privileged to jointly manage MSC. The club is in my heart. I will try my utmost to prepare players for games and make sure the training sessions are well organised and players are disciplined if they misbehave.

It’s a big test for me and Foyzul but we will try our best to bring back the glory days!

- Statement from Raju, New Joint Manager of MSC.

Aroz Miah was key in the role for delivering the current landmark recognition for the club. The current club secretary has done remarkably well in his post since being appointed over a year ago and aims to continue with the hard work and determination to deliver more for the club.

Although tempers flared and players felt like they were being tested physically as well as mentally during the training session, the passion and drive to succeed with  a positive connotation still survives from within the squad. Our will to succeed is purely driven and motivated by our hunger for trophies and to be the best amongst our competitors. But to be the best, means excelling in our performances, week in and week out.

Consistency seems to be an issue with the squad this season with inadequate results and a failure to keep our composure in key games, resulting to draws and losses, leading to a spell of low moral for the team. Although the team cruised to a victory in their last game against a half-hearted Bromley team without the likes of Begg and their other superstars. The previous two results against Shadwell and Stepney made the players realise how far of the pace they really are in terms of competition this year and worked as an unwelcome wakeup call for all those left sleeping or dayreaming about last years glory.

However the potential to succeed in the long term is inevitable. With such a talented young crop of players,  this team has the potential to achieve on a very high scale and be amongst the best in it’s generation. This team has always been a passing team, they have always let their football do the talking and on the best of days, the team has proved that they have an abundance of skill and immense class unmatched to any other team in their division.

Although recent results may have lead the team to miss out on gaining valuable points and maintaining the title, a positive will to succeed and determination from the players is required in order to turn things around and rescue the season.

As shown by the opposing teams playing against Mohammedan this season, revenge is a dish best served cold and to be successful, sometimes you have to be ruthless.  Everyone of our opposing teams have almost made it a prioritised ritual just to make sure Mohammedan fail this year. It’s now up to the players, coaches and management to prove this wrong and turn the season around with a string of positive results and by making it to the cup final, a feat last accomplished, back in 2006.

Fixture Details:

Mohammedan Vs Bromley By Bow

Venue: Bartlett Park

Kick Off: 1:30PM

Come and Support your Team!

Your Welcome

Mohammedan B – BFA Summer League Division 2 Champions

In the Second division Mohammedan, BYM and Newark B were in contention for the top spot with only 3 points separating them. The first of the three to play were Newark up against Bromley B.

It was a hard fought match but Newark was able to gain a 2-0 win to give their title chances a boost. Next up were Mohammedan who needed a win to confirm themselves as second division champions, however they showed no signs of succumbing to the pressure and thrashed East End 5-1.

The win may have meant that the division was won but a promotion place was still up for grabs. BYM were able to push past Ealing warriors and confirm their second place finish and promotion into the First Division.

After a dramatic last day of fixtures, Mohammedan SC managed to beat Shadwell to the title on Goal difference. Both teams battled hard to the end, but the title was eventually taken by Mohammedan SC.

Mohammedan Sporting Club has been in existence in the UK from the late 1970’s, with the global Mohammedan brand dating back to the late 1800’s in Asia. With countless local, national and international league and cup competition achievements; Mohammedan Sporting Club today has a squad of 200+ players ranging from under 11’s teams to senior league Teams. Mohammedan Sporting Club is one of the key players in the Bangladeshi Football Association UK, and three times Premier league Champions and League Bangla Cup winners and finally, they have been crowned champions of the ILFL Winter League 2010.

Also playing as ‘PYO’ (Progressive Youth Organisation), one of the first Bangladeshi Youth & Community Organisations in the UK, dating back to the early 1970’s. PYO has strengthened the foundations of the Mohammedan brand in the UK. Participation with passion, pride and determination is the moto of Mohammedan and to encourage sporting excellence in our communities’ always remains our goal.