THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
REPORT BY : TARLOCHAN SINGH VIRK
LEICESTER
The annual Derby Shaheedi Football tournament took place on 27 and 28 June 2006 at Leisure United, Racecourse Playing Fields, St. Marks Road, Derby, DE21 6AL which provided excellent facilities. It was organised by Khalsa Football Federation KFF and Derby Sports Committee DSC and was supported by local Gurdwaras and businesses. The tournament was well attended in which teams from Slough, Southall, Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, Nuneaton, Bedford, Wolverhampton and other cities took part.
SENIOR SECTION
In the first semi-final of Premier Division GSA FC scored more goals than FC Khalsa Leicester to reach the final. Similarly, in the second semi-final GNG Leicester beat Southall to reach the final which was played on Sunday 28th June at 1.30 pm on Pitch 1. The Leicester team scored in the opening minutes with GSA equalising shortly afterwards and GNG Leicester scoring again before half time to lead 2-1.. In the second half GSA scored three times and won the Premier Division again which they also won at Birmingham tournament. This was the most watched match of the whole tournament. Deen Master won the Player of the Tournament Award. GSA FC Manager commented ” Tough final against a strong GNG Leicester side. GNG took an early lead from a direct free kick. We equalised shortly after. GNG took 2-1 lead before half-time.. In the second half the game turned with GSA pressure taking its toll , scoring 3 goals to win the game 4-2. “
Division 1 final was between GNG Leicester Res. and Singh Brothers Derby Res. which the Derby team won 4-2. Singh Brothers Derby Res. had defeated Queens Park Bedford in the semi-final 4-2. In the other semi-final GNG Leicester beat Milton Keynes 2-1.
Vets Over 35 was won by Singh Brothers Derby who beat Shere Punjab RRG FC 2-1 in the final. Warley Stars were Runners -Up in the Vets Over 45s which was won by FC Punjab Sandwell.
JUNIOR FOOTBALL
This is by far the most colouful day of the tournament played on Sunday 28th June in which grandparents , parents and relatives of young superstars of the future play in Under 8, Under 9, Under 11, Under 13 and Under 15 divisions.
After winning the Walsall tournament, Runners-Up at Birmingham, FC Khalsa Leicester won the Derby tournament by winning 3-1 against GNG Leicester. Nottingham Sikh Lions came 3rd. In the Under 13s Blue Tigers Derby won against GNP Coventry on penalties, Singh Brothers Derby came 3rd. Blue Tigers Derby won the Under 11s Division who beat Nottingham Sikh Lions in the final. Singh Brothers Derby came 3rd. in the Under 9s division , Nuneaton were winners, Nottingham Sikh Lions were Runners-Up and BDS Birmingham were 3rd. In the Under 8s division GNG Leicester Lions were winners, GNG Leicester Tigers were Runners-Up, and GNG Leicester Panthers were 3rd.
Raul Basi, Manager Under 15s FC Khalsa Leicester
Before the start of first group game against GNG Leicester Lions, a one-minute silence was held in memory of Senior FC Khalsa Leicester player who passed away recently. We also played Anglesey Academy and Blue Tigers Derby in the group stage. We topped the group and our semi-final was against Nottingham Sikh Lions whom we played in the final at the Birmingham tournament. After a hard competitive match, we won and reached the final where we played GNG Leicester Lions.
The final was exciting and unbelievable game. I was honoured to see so many fans watching the final. It lived up to all the expectations: tough games, both sides having chances but both the goalkeepers were superb. Match ended goalless at the end. Then the penalties. Our captain Roshan Singh Basi stepped up and blasted the ball in the back of the net. And our keeper Akaal Singh Bains made a great save from the opposition penalty taker to win us the tournament The Player of the Tournament was Japnoor Singh of FC Khalsa Leicester who displayed fantastic football skills throughout the tournament.
I would also like to thank the medical team who were present during the whole tournament treating all the players with great care as and when needed. There were lots of grazes as matches were played on Astro pitches. The KFF Derby Tournament was very enjoyable for us. The tournament was well organised and all the youth teams were treated to Pizzas.
Loads of Congratulations to Derby Sports Committee, Singh Brothers Derby, Nachhatar Singh Chhoker, Manjit Singh Maan, Bhajan Singh Dhillion, Gurdev Singh Dhillion, Kulwant Singh Kooner, Rashpal Singh Sandhu, Jassa Singh Lehl, Bikar Singh Chahal, Paramjit singh Cheema and Rajinder Singh Purewal for all their efforts in organising an excellent football tournament which was enjoyed by thousands of football loving fans from all over the country.
