Pipped by premier penalties but reserves strike gold

1/11/2001

AFTER a great start to the season, the first Asian team to play in the Premier Division of the Rochdale Alliance League has been knocked out of the cup.

Asia FC was up against last year's cup champions Sudden Websters. The Springfield Park clash was tough with Sudden playing hard to retain their title. But at full time neither side had found the back of the net and the game went to extra time.

A half-hours tense play and the score board still read 0-0. So it was onto a penalty show down which Sudden won a 3-2.

Said Asia manager Aky Hussein: "The boys were obviously disappointed with the result but we played really well. Goalie, Imran Khan who is only 17 did really well. He's a fantastic keeper. He's only been with us for two years but has already made the first team. All the players put in their very best. We didn't do it this time but we'll do it next season."

But not all is lost. Asia's second team, Asia FC Reserves, are still fighting it out for the cup in the first division. In the latest test they faced King William.

It was 4-4 at full time so the crowds were treated to a golden goal ending. As the evenly matched squads fought on it was Asia who made the decisive break and hit the back of the net to make it 5-4. Credit goes to striker Tanveer Aslam and winger Yasser Ahmed for keeping their side going.

Added Aky: "A few years ago you wouldn't have dreamed of seeing an Asian team in 2nd division never mind the premier. But it goes to show how far Asian footballers have come. They're getting better and better and we still have a lot of youngsters coming through all wanting to get into the first team."