Emdad Rahman
A TUMULTUOUS summer saw Stepney Football Club relegated from the BFA Summer League for the first time – yet finish the season as Cup Champions after a heroic comeback victory over BYM. This led to a major overhaul in playing staff as Muj Rahman’s men prepared for the Inner London Football League winter campaign.
Changes were rung in time for the opening day fixture against Beaumont, and the new boys took to it like ducks to water: Beaumont were hammered 3-0 as Stepney stormed to an opening day win.
Although Rahman made many changes he ensured the spine remained intact, with senior players Mustafa Shahid, Harun Rashid and Forhad Ahmed joining veterans Sham Zaman and Russell Choudhury in the squad.
Mustafa Shahid set Stepney on the way with an exquisite free kick into the top left corner. Stepney controlled the first half with ease, and ten minutes into the second half it was the captain Jamil Choudhury’s turn to double the lead with a right foot missile from outside the box after 16 year old left back Rabby harried, won possession and charged the flanks before teeing up his captain for the second.
Beaumont enjoyed spells of possession, but Stepney looked dangerous on the counter and ten minutes from time Ridwan recovered the ball and fed Shahid, who turned on a sixpence and slotted into the right side of the keeper from inside the box.
Manager Rahman commented: “A great opening day win and I’m really pleased at how the team clicked today. With some guidance and coaching this younger team looks ready to fill those big boots left behind by the class of 98.”
•Read more about it: Astonishing comeback sees Stepney lift BFA Sonali Bank Cup Sylhet over 40s are District Cup champions 2017
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