Beaumont Athletic 2-0 London Tigers
Emdad Rahman: With spirits high after the Royal wedding, Stepney based Beaumont Athletic FC were crowned UK Asian Community Cup Champions for 2011.
The game was a repeat of the final of the SNT tournament which had taken place the week before, a match that London Tigers had won after an effervescent 2-2 draw. The showcase final was played out before a packed and high spirited crowd at the home of Dagenham and Redbridge football Club. At the Glyn Hopkin Stadium, the holders took up the offensive baton and pressed Beaumont further up the field of play. Despite being penned into their half for long periods, the stubborn and tenacious Beaumont rearguard withstood the early attacking blitz. The defensive discipline from Beaumont paid off as the midfield and attack began to stamp their own authority on the game, with Ahbab Hussain providing the main threat from the Beaumont flanks. A pinpoint 25th minute free kick delivery from Bobby found man of the Match Javier Riveria in the box who reacted the quickest to slot home the opener for Beaumont.
Both managers had deployed a 4-5-1 formation and as the game wore on, both teams began to increasingly nullify each other. The second half saw a spate of yellow cards being brandished by the referee. Beaumont’s authoritative defence held on and in a last minute counter attack, Shahed Ahmed raced onto a Liton Zaman cross to hammer home a match clinching second for Mamun Chowdhury’s young team.
“We are very happy with the win,” said a euphoric Mamun Chowdhury. “I am proud of the way my team picked themselves up after the SNT Cup Final defeat to London Tigers. “I’m very proud with the camaraderie, spirit and the phenomenal support that we have enjoyed on route to winning this trophy.” Pic: Alam Zaman – ELN Sports Correspondent