The sun was out and Elite Youth FC under 13 boasting their brand new kit sponsored by Tower Hamlets NHS were playing in the East London League under 13 Cup Final last weekend. The final was played at AFC Hornchurch’s stadium with a crowd of around three hundred people.
Elite Youth FC in their second season of playing in the league beat local rivals Tag FC in the semi-finals to reach the finals against League champions EC1 FC. The final promised to be a thriller and both sets of players did not let the crowds down. Under the scorching heat and the massive pitch the players took a little time to get use to the hard surface but elite youth took first blood within 10 minutes. Yunis Ahmed picked the ball up in his own half and ran down the left wing in Messi style holding off a number of challenges. Once he reached the goal line his left foot cross somehow ended up in the far top corner to put Elite 1-0 up. Elite’s forwards Yunis Ahmed and Shazidur Rahman were causing all sorts of problems for EC1’s defence with their strength and pace, with EC1 goal keeper making some fine saves to keep the score at 1-0.
EC1 soon got into their stride and took over the game scoring three goals in 15 minutes courtesy of some woeful defending from the elite back line and goalkeeper. The league champions went in at half time 3-1 up and looking very strong. Elite Youth came out in the second half with nothing to lose and went at EC1 from the start and played on the counter attack with the pace of their forwards, keeping possession of the ball better. It was not long before elite youth grabbed a well deserved goal back with some neat passing finished off by a goal from Shazidur Rahman. EC1 looked flat and elite took advantage playing some delightful two touch football with confidence. Elite youth kept attacking and pressuring the EC1 goal only to be denied time after time by some brave defending from EC1. Elite’s attacking play for the equaliser meant they at times left themselves open at the back and EC1 Managed to nick a fourth goal.
Elite Youth were in no mood to let this cup final slip away and kept battling away under the blazing sun and their fighting spirit paid dividends when Shazidur Rahman out paced the EC1 back line and chip the ball over the keeper to set up a intense final 10 minutes. Elite continued to push for the equaliser while EC1 soaked up more pressure, time seemed to be against elite. However, two minutes into injury time Elite Youth were awarded a life line when the EC1 player handed the ball in the area.
Club captain Khairul Amin stepped up to take the penalty under immense pressure but he kept his nerves and planted the ball in the top left hand corner, the Elite Youth players and supporters went crazy only to be told by the referee that the penalty needs to be retaken as he was not ready for the kick. After much controversy Khairul once again stepped up to take the spot kick. This time he tried to outwit the goalkeeper and went for the top right hand corner only for the kick to go high and wide, and with that the referee blow time on a fantastic match. Final score Elite Youth 3 EC1 4
The Cup Final was an ideal warm up for the team who in a few weeks time head off to Sweden to compare their talent against the world’s finest at the Gothia Cup!
If you would like more information on the football services offered by Osmani Trust please contact Abdal Ahmed on 020 7247 8080 or via abdal.ahmed@osmanitrust.org