Published on Dec 24 2009 by Nazim Sehat-e-Jismani (Sports): Imaad Bajwa

Match day 1 paired New Malden against an organised Raynes Park team for a much anticipated clash at the Wandle, Wandsworth. New Malden seem to be favourites for every tournament they enter - an added pressure which has led them to develop a reputation for never quite reaching their potential, many comparing them to the England national team! The team seems to have all the individual attributes to win the league, with a rich blend of experience and youth.

New Malden have a new look under the captaincy of young captain Tamoor Ahmed, who replaced Khurram Bajwa, who had done a fantastic job for the previous two seasons. Tamoor signed two young Germans in the form of brothers Raheel and Anil on a free transfer from Worcester Park, the rest of the teams in the league seem to have a squad largely consisting of technically gifted Germans, therefore it was only fair NM got in the act too. A second half comeback from New Malden ensured they started the IQFL in winning fashion after beating their opponents Raynes Park 7-4 in a tense game.

Southampton based Shahid Hashmi, arguably the finest keeper in the league, made it down for this match squashing rumours within various gossip columns that the squad have grown tiresome of him ‘making it rain’ on them, due to his new found wealth.

NM started the game with the Bajwa pensioners Khurram and Sulman at the back, combining their experience with the energy of the youth in front of them.

Despite a bright start from NM, they lacked any sort of cutting edge. They were made to pay by Raynes Park, as their goal machine Sultan put them ahead after a fortunate cross shot fell into his path. NM pushed men forward as they pressed for an equaliser, yet their hard work as undone after they were exposed on the counter attack by Raynes Park, making it 2-0. RP blazed into a two-goal surprise lead deservedly through a Sultan tap in and Haseeb penalty, after Tamoor had slide tackled. Captain Tamoor then got one back before Rameez restored RP's two-goal advantage.

The former ‘big boned’ Tamoor, who has lost an impressive two stone over the last year, and presumably given it all to Sulman, grabbed one back for NM after some great trickery from Anil.

Yet the joy was short-lived, as Raynes Park went 3-1 ahead before the break after some suspect defending left goalkeeper Shahid exposed.

Knowing Raynes Park fully deserved their lead, the senior members of the NM team rallied the troops with vocal encouragement.

NM then found their stride and annihilated the hosts with 6 goals with no reply from RP. The highlight being a well worked team goal finished by Rizwan Bajwa. Raheel completed a debut hatrick and Saqib’s late goal for RP proved a damp squib. NM was given a free kick shortly after the break, and Anil smashed it in to ensure the wind was firmly in their sails. NM then proved why they are strong favourites to win the league this season, after turning on the style with five goals in quick succession to make it 7-3 including a hat-trick from Raheel, and a goal each from Rizwan and Anil.

NM have layed down the gauntlet and on this performance where they were tested by a strong RP team, have made a statement of intent as to the destination of this year’s title. Champions WP have a job of work ahead. Our thanks to Shiraz Sethi (Mohtamim Khidmet-e-Khalq) for taking time out to officiate the games. Tahir Malik, despite putting on a few extra pounds in recent years, was an inspired substitution by captain Tamoor, using his great energy to combat the attacking threat by Raynes Park in defence alongside Sulman.

NM continued to dominate the game, with Tamoor making regular changes to ensure the team maintained their high intensity. NM played the game out comfortably despite a late wonder goal from Raynes Park, taking all three points in this crucial clash of the titans.

It is still an early stage of the season, yet there signs of real encouragement for the season ahead.

The NM squad is highly competitive and talented, with many players ready to make a real impression. Tamoor, despite a quiet start grew into his role as captain, often leading by example.

The next game will be against Morden on 4th December which will probably end in a New Malden victory, Insha’Allah.