Match Report v Samba Seven

Date: Fri 16th June

Result: 2-2 versus Samba Sevens

Match report by: Ebrahim

We drew 2-2 against a team that we made to look ordinary whenever we had the ball. The likes of Adam, Saeed and Ishy Wadee played to their strengths and majestically took players on for fun - many times they couldn't cope and simply fouled us.

After I opened the scoring for us again (third time this season!) with a well-worked goal. Fayaz then hit the post and we continued with some slick interplay that is beginning to define this new-age QPT. At half time, I seriously thought we would run away with the game playing like this and the opponents tiring.

Football being football, the 2nd half turned out to be better for them than for us as their No. 4 created some chances on his own and was unlucky to hit the crossbar once. After such scares in defence, a clever free-kick and drive from Saeed led to Fayaz being in the right place at the right time to extend our lead - he is getting more and more accustomed to the pace of the game now as he easily produced his best game so far. Note that he would have played for us last season had an injury not kept him out so, in a sense, he is also trying to catch up with us! (Keep up the good work Fayaz.)

Imediately conceding a goal through a slip from Saeed (correct me if i'm wrong please!) didn't put us off from carving more chances out. However, just like the disappointment of the last game, we weren't ruthless enough in front of goal.

A naive crossfield pass from Usama in the last minute gave them the ball and led to a tap in for the No. 4. The lesson here is to keep the ball as best you can and even if you lose it, not to lose concentration in marking the opponents up. Usama was outstanding again though, as he is a thoroughly consistent performer.

Their second goal came after two quick subs by Yasir to put M Ali and Ishy Chotia on for Adam and I. Like many o fus, I believe that took the solidity out of our passing and retaining of the ball. So maybe substituting just one of Adam and I would have been sufficient as two subs is a third of the outfield, and can disrupt the rigidity and structure of our play. This point would have been made even if we didn't concede that equaliser. Indeed, the subs could have worked in our favour but, again, it is another lesson learnt - this time for the management!

Summary:
I think we should be very proud that we have gone four games into the season and are near/at the top, undefeated. The fact that we are disappointed with drawing shows just how far we have come and are going as a formidable team to be reckoned with.

The positive vibes displayed on the pitch is helping us perform as a unit - it was our trait last season and I don't want that to change just because we are promoted, so keep it up guys. I'm sure everyone would agree that they would play better if encouraged rather than being told off. Another way to help the team is to remember to win the ball back if a team-mate loses it - there is plenty of time to remonstrate with him afterwards. Yasin provided me with this insight (yes, Yasin!) in one of our pre-season friendlies and it does create team spirit.

P.S. Good to see Ishy Chotia getting a Rooney-esque run out, although how we will oust me as the number one striker I do not know...!

MEDIA FRENZY - The Return!
Unhappy defender gets his own back
Yes, our popular news column returns this week with a stunning headline. It seems that defender Yasin Mayat has shockingly expressed his anger after another unused substitute appearance at the last game.

QPT legend Amin Karolia, who has returned as the heart of the defence, claimed a deliberate attempt by Yasin to deter him from the next game. Mayat 'accidentally' lost Karolia's car keys whilst trying to reach for a football in the river at Witton Park during the disappointing draw against Samba Sevens. He stated afterwards, "I was wearing Ebrahim Patel's jacket with Amin's keys in one of the pockets when I realised the keys weren't there after coming out of the river. There was a hole in the pocket so it is definitely not deliberate."

However, in a turn of events, Patel has confirmed that no such hole existed when he gave Mayat the jacket. He said, "I distinctly remember that jacket as being in pristine condition even though I have had it for 7 years now. How a hole could suddenly appear in a quality Nike jacket is somewhat bemusing to me."

It is fair to say that Mayat is running out of patience with his beloved QPT, and may have deliberately lost Karolia's car keys so that he would have to be selected as first choice defender when Karolia is unable to travel to the next game. The frustration of seeing QPT surrender a two-goal lead may have ignited this mischievous act from Mayat, who may well believe that he could have stopped the equaliser had he been on the field.

If the sabotage attempt is found to be true, then Mayat could well have worn the QPT shirt for the last time, as it is the latest in a string of tantrums by the centreback to claim a spot in the first team.