Charismatic Karim Shaikh’s hat-trick powers Central Railways against inefficient Great Mother S.C
Central Railways beat Great Mother Sports Club 3-1 thanks to an excellent hat-trick from Karim Shaikh in an Elite Division game of the Mumbai District Football Association (MDFA) at Cooperage on Monday, 18th May, 2015.
After a fairly tight opening quarter of an hour, Central Railways began to assert themselves on the game and were duly rewarded in the 18th minute when Karim Shaikh fired the Central Railways opener.
Five minutes later, Central Railways very nearly doubled their tally when Sajandeep Singh’s shot came off the crossbar. A minute later at the other G.M.S.C missed a great chance to equalize as their striker failed to tap in from six yards just before the referee stopped play for a water break.
G.M.S.C grew into the game as the half progressed but failed to take several opportunities that came their way. Tushar Poojari had a great chance to get G.M.S.C on level terms but he flashed his over from close range. He had a very tight angle to shoot which made it difficult for Tushar Poojari to find the target.
But he had no such problems in doing so on the stroke of half time when his shot went through the Central Railways goalkeeper Shibu Shanmugan and into the net as G.M.S.C drew level moments before the referee blew for half time.
G.M.S.C deserved their equalizer even though it had a touch of fortune in it as the Central Railways Custodian’s slip at the crucial juncture induced the error which led to the goal
Central Railways made a great start to the second half as they regained the lead within just two minutes of the restart as some as Karim Shaikh did brilliantly to create space to turn and accurately fire his shot into the bottom corner.
It was a brilliant exhibition of forward play from Karim Shaikh who displayed great skills and composure to grab his and his side’s second of the game.
Referee turned down a penalty shout at the other end immediately after the restart of play after the goal. The appeals were more out of desperation from G.M.S.C who found themselves having to chase the game once again.
Central Raiways could have had a third goal in the 50th minute when Sajandeep Singh raced clear in a swift counter attack from the Railwaymen to brilliantly lay off a fellow Central Railway attacker at the far post but he fired his shot wide of the target.
G.M.S.C nearly pulled themselves level five minutes later with an counter attack of their own which saw Michael Idewele through on goal only to see his dinged effort touched away by theCentral Railway goalkeeper who did extremely well get a hand to the G.M.S.C forward’s efforts.
In the 64th minute, Kartik Putharan matched his opposite number when he pulled off a brilliant save as he tipped over a shot from Sajandeep Singh who brilliantly controlled a cross from the right wing to fire at the goal.
G.M.S.C were mightily unlucky not to have equalized in the 75th minute when Michael Idewele’s effort bounced onto the upright after he managed to beat the onrushing Shibu Shanmugan.
Three minutes later, Michael Idewele had yet another chance to score when Max Hanglem brilliantly set him up just outside the six yards box with the goal at his mercy, but his rather casual effort was parried away by the Central Railways goalkeeper Shibu Shanmugan.
It was another one of those nearly moments for G.M.S.C in the game which went begging adding to their frustrations at time was running out for them to grab anything from the match.
But it was to be Karim Shaikh’s dayas he completed a memorable hat-trick with a fantastic free kick in the 88th minute to seal the three points for Central Railways.
It was an emphatic display from the Central Railway striker and his hat-trick was one of the finest ones this season. He was clearly the difference between the two sides as G.M.S.C failed to take their chances when Karim Shaikh gave a lesson in finishing at the other end.
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / MFA Super League
Redefining Mumbai Football: The unique approach of India On Track FC
In a football landscape where clubs often prioritize short-term success over long-term sustainability, India On Track FC (IOT FC) stands out as a beacon of dedication, unity, and unwavering commitment…
Mohun Bagan Super Giant produce magnificent triumph to storm into second straight ISL final after 2-0 win against Odisha FC
Kolkata, April 28: Mohun Bagan Super Giant emerged triumphant against the Odisha FC by 2-0 at the Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata tonight to win the second leg of their…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MYJ-GMSC Completes Unbeaten Season with Draw Against Millat FC
Kartik Strike in the first half seize’s MYJ-GMSC their unbeaten debut season in MFA Premier League In a high-octane Clash at the MFA Premier League, MYJ-GMSC faced off against Millat…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League
MH Oranje FC Seals Penultimate Game with Thrilling 2-1 Win Over Reliance FYC
Yogesh Kadam’s First-Half Brace Propels MH Oranje FC Toward a Strong Season Finish. MH Oranje FC clinched a significant 2-1 win over Reliance FYC in the penultimate game of the…
Mumbai City FC ease past FC Goa to set up blockbuster grand finale clash against ISL Champions Mohun Bagan Super Giant
Mumbai, April 29: Mumbai City FC set up a finals date with the Mohun Bagan Super Giant after defeating FC Goa by 2-0 in the second leg of their semi-final…
SSE BFC to conduct trials for U9 to U17 age group players
SSE BFC Soccer School will be conducting fresh trials this month for players aged below 17 to be part of their football program SSE BFC Soccer Schools is a football…
India Khelo Football Season 3 Trials for Mumbai and Thane are here
India Khelo Football (IKF) is back with Season 3 of its widely acclaimed trials with an aim to cover more than 50 cities this time around. After the resounding success…
Feature / Recommended / Trials
Mastering the Art of Football Trials: Key Pre-Trial Factors to Keep in Mind
Football trials are a critical juncture for aspiring players to showcase their skills and secure a spot in a team. To maximize your chances of success, it’s essential to tailor your approach based on your playing position as well as keeping in mind a few pre-trial factors.
Somaiya Sports Academy to conduct trials for MFA 2nd Division campaign
Somaiya Sports Academy is looking for passionate young football players for the Somaiya Sports Academy Football Team to compete in the MFA 2nd Division League 2023-2024. If selected, you will…
BFC Soccer Schools – Mumbai to conduct trials for U14 & U16 Girls
The BFC Soccer Schools Elite team girls’ trials are coming up in search of talented players from the U14 to U16 (Born 2009 and after) age groups into the club’s…
Opportunity to make the team: U.K.M. Kothrud FC conducts selection trials for girls team
Pune-based U.K.M. Kothrud FC has announced that they will be conducting selection trials for their girl’s team on 15th January 2023 The club welcomes all players to come and showcase…
The Sunday Football League Season 4 is back
The Sunday Football League is back with its fourth season, and it’s shaping up to be the best one yet. With eight talented teams competing at the Kes Kandivali turf, there…
BFC Soccer Schools Elite team trials in Feb
Bengaluru FC launched their Mumbai program last season with the Soccer Schools and Elite programs with its local partner Soccer Schools of Excellence (SSE). Bengaluru Football Club is a professional club…
India Khelo Football Season 2 Trials in Mumbai: A Chance to Kickstart Your Football Career
After conducting trials in 34 cities & villages across India, India Khelo Football is coming to Mumbai to hunt talent on 7th January. India Khelo Football kickstarted its season 2…
MFA / MFA Elite Premier League / Trials
Mumbai Customs to conduct trials for Elite League
Former champions Mumbai Customs will be holding open trials for the upcoming MFA Elite Corporate League (Elite Division) The 2019 MFA Elite Division champions Mumbai Customs are conducting open trials…