Published on Jun 06 2009 by Team NM

When we talk about the leading rivalries of Europe, we automatically think of Real Madrid v Barcelona, Roma v Lazio and Manchester United v Liverpool. But for those Khuddam who were fortunate enough to be selected for the illustrious New Malden v Surbiton fixture this was the "local derby" to be involved in. New Malden took the Home field advantage on Friday 11th March 2005 at the Astroturf laden "Goals" venue, kitted out in Inter Milan strips (which Tahir Malik maintains are '100% authentic'). With ongoing shirt "sponsorship difficulties" Surbiton proudly wore plain white T-shirts!!! Due to the intense rivalry and following police advice, no away fans were permitted into the venue and New Malden themselves were only allowed two fans, the President himself Shahid Ghauri Sahib, (who had  promised to be on his best behaviour) ably assisted by his wife and digital camera.

The New Malden starting line up consisted of Faraz Nasir, Waqas Ahmed, Rizwan Bajwa, Tahir Malik, Adil Ahmed, Shahid Hashmi and Haaris Hafeez. The "talented" substitutes were Muzzaffer Bajwa, Sulman Bajwa and Masood Malik; respected Qaid Sb. The team were under the experienced management of Naveed "da Gaffa" Ahmad whose CV boasted of many "European trophies" won playing Championship Manager on the PC. Wow, what credentials! (Majority consensus remains that he will be the next Gerard Houllier with initial success followed by catastrophic failure leading to his resignation!)

The Surbiton team, Captained by their respected Qaid and ex-New Maldener Raashid Khan, who along with his entire team had signed for Surbiton on free "Bosman" transfers as they could no longer "cut it" under the New Malden dictatorial regime. Following a customary pre-match handshake, the two captains hurled  Du’a's at each other before the game finally kicked-off. The opening 5 minutes were tense with both sides attempting to settle their nerves, find their "Pro Evolution" form and adjust to the "pace" of the game. New Malden were under strict instructions to compress the play, stay composed and not to concede an inch. However...

Imran Malik broke the deadlock smashing the ball into the side of the net from 7 yards. It then went from bad to worse when Pascal Cygan wannabe Rizwan, and Jerzy Dudek's understudy Faraz conspired to gift Surbiton the "softest" of goals allowing them to score from an acute angle. Not quite the start New Malden were looking for.

Six minutes later New Malden were back in business through substitute Masood Malik whose trickled over the goal-line. He swears his eyes were open but we the witnesses know better! Celebrations were short lived as surbiton scored twice more in quick succession through Mussawar Maqsood and Umar Kareem. The heavens opened.

Shahid Hashmi pulled one back on the stroke of half-time with a rocket of a shot beating former Qaid Sb, Okasha Sami from close to the corner flag. At half-time New Malden tactically revised their approach via Naveed's notorious 'hairdryer' treatment, endeavouring to push Masood further forward. Surbiton's team talk was simple - "Don't let Masood get one over on us, or we'll never hear the end of it."

The 2nd half began as the 1st had with Surbiton extending their lead to 5-2 thanks to Jerzy Dudek in goal. Sulman Bajwa played "heavy" (overweight) in midfield, but using his Makelele skills disrupted the Surbiton attacks efficiently. Haaris led the line like a centre forward "bossing the defenders", and Muzaffer Bajwa soldiered on despite suffering from the flu. Adil and Shahid rotated duties with bursts of energy. Two goals from Muzaffer and Masood inched New Malden closer to Surbiton; who broke away on the counter-attack to score again.

With Surbiton visibly tiring, the New Malden "Prima Donnas" with reputations to protect went in search of blood. A goal from Haaris was followed by a moment of inspiration, perspiration and determination. Time stood still as Masood outpaced the Surbiton defence before deftly finishing to score his hat-trick. Will he ever let us forget this?

The match ended with New Malden earning a respectable 6-6 draw. In keeping with the traditions of such a result, a "Golden Goal" period was entered into - with the next goal to decide the contest. Chances fell to both teams as New Malden committed more players forward in an attempt to win. No negative "Sven Goran Erikkson" tactics to play for penalties were employed. Faraz left his Dudek form and pulled off some amazing saves including one whilst on his backside. Why couldn't he have done this earlier?

The last laugh went to Surbiton though, as Raashid Khan displayed his class and coolly slotted home to win it for the visitors.

Soaked, tired and defeated, the New Malden Khuddam were still gracious in defeat and congratulated Surbiton on a well deserved and hard fought victory (Jose Mourinho, take note). Many thanks to Suhail Butt as referee, and to those who worked tirelessly to arrange the match. Today, yet again, served to strengthen the fidelity of our congregation, and the mutual love of our neighbouring brothers in the region: Baitul Futuh - Alhamdulillah.

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