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Asianos came into this clash knowing a win would take them away
from 2nd placed Scorpians who had been showing signs
of improvement in recent weeks. Last weeks performance was a
sign that Asianos were starting to play the type of football
that has seen them take maximum points in all but 1 of their
league games. Scorpians were eager to start the match and as
Abdul Meah quoted “They are up for it!”. Missing striker Zaki,
the hard working Amar and the lethal Pupz Asianos reshuffled the
pack and the return of the popular Atiq pleased everyone.
Asianos started with a 4-5-1 system but didn’t really start to
play until they got a few wake up calls. Asianos showed glimpses
of their total football but Scorpians showed hunger from the
start. But as all good teams do Asianos found a way through
which was simply top class. Zubair’s weighted pass deceived
their right back and the composure of the maestro who we know as
Titch just chipped the ball over the stranded keeper . 1-0
Asianos.
Asianos were still pulling the strings but couldn’t find the
final pass and a mix up between Sid and Iddy allowed their
striker to poke the ball home. But don’t worry Iddy definitely
made up for this small error later on in the game.
J.
1-1. Then one of the moments of the season and contender for
goal of the season by, yes that man Zubz. Just when you think
this kid cant do any more he just reminded everyone why he is so
highly talked about and rated. Chewy’s throw was directed to
Zubz who flicked the ball over the clueless defender and
swivelled and met ball on the volley. It rocketed over the
keepers head to give Asianos the lead again. Truly Class. As
their own player said “we get scared when we play you”. Its not
really surprising they feel like that after scoring goals like
that. The first half showed Asianos solidity at the back and
guile further up the pitch. All in all Asianos were relatively
happy with the first half display.
The
second half and Atiq was put up front by Bouma to hold the ball
up and showed the versatility of the team. 10 minutes into the
second half and Scorpians were really sensing they had a way
back in the game. Well, that was short lived. Asianos were
playing some superb football. Little triangles and quick passing
reminiscint of the type of football seen at the Nou Camp was a
delight to watch. Shahir, Chewy, Chanawala were linking up well
down the left. The 3rd goal came courtesy of Atiq aka
Peter Crouch. Asianos played a direct ball into the box and not
surprisingly the Scorpians player wanted the Asianos shirt (well
who wouldn’t!) so badly he tugged Atiq to the ground. Penalty to
Asianos. As soon as it was given you could have put down your
house on Zubzir to score. He showed his class again by slotting
into the bottom right corner. 3-1 Asianos. Scorpians were now
starting to really play dirty and they had the audacity to say
we don’t play good football. Well fortunately for Asianos they
couldn’t play ANY type of football. Asianos starting moving up
the gears and Scorpians simply couldn’t handle Asianos. Sid was
pestering their left back and Speedy was dealing with everything
their left side midfielder had. Then came THE moment which had
left everybody breathless and reminded these youngsters like
Shahir, Zubz, Titch, Chewy, Atiq that before them who used to
take the free kicks. Asianos won a free kick about 35 yards out
( for you haters) even though I would say it was more like 40
yards. Zubz walked over to the ball as he does but Iddy said
“Zubz move over let me shoot”. Zubz shrugged his shoulders and
walked off leaving the free kick for Iddy.. As it was so far out
Scorpians needed not have a wall. Well it was a long way out!
Iddy stepped away confidently and smashed the ball into the top
corner. 4-1 Asianos. A moment which im sure will be discussed a
lot more in future conversations and be remembered for many a
season. Asianos continued to press and Sid had a golden
opportunity to put his name on the score sheet. Scorpians did
grab a second when they scored from a set piece. 4-2. Bilz in
goal was kept busy and had to make a smart save to deny
Scorpians another. Zaf replaced Iddy and as only Zaf could do he
scored within 10 minutes of coming on. Zubair squared the ball
after good work from the superb Chewy and a simple tap in from
Zaf who again showed his predator instincts. 5-2 Asianos. Bouma
then replaced Chanawala with the “rough diamond” Dj Anjum Malik.
Anjum was really MIXING up the football with his smart quick
passes and his aerial ability. What he lacks in height he makes
up for in quality. Then another substitution. One which will
surely send shockwaves through the Asian Football League. Azhar
aka Dunga came on for what was a cameo appearance. And yes you
guessed it- his first touch was of course THAT FAMOUS TOE! He of
course later denied he meant to do that. He showed glimpses of
class with some nice 1 touch passes and showed there could be a
few miles left in the engine. Watch out Shahir! Who knows we
could have Chanawala and Azhar in centre midfield! Now that
would be worth watching! Asianos rapped up the game but not
before Cheeko gave their centre forward a nice tumble to the
ground! Quality! Overall an excellent performance. Now the
target is to win every game until the end of the season and with
performances like this showed the hunger and desire the team
have.
Match Report
Adnan Ali (c) 24/02/2008
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