Two thrilling semi-finals at Sheffield United’s Academy ended with the mouth-watering prospect of a Community Cup Sharrow showdown between the Athletic and United sides.
A tense encounter in the first decider saw African Dream Team take a first half lead with a wonder strike from The Doctor (Jama Elmi). An Ifty Afzal penalty brought Sharrow United level early in the second half, and the match then went to a penalty shoot-out, which Sharrow eventually won 8-7.
The feature of the 3-2 win by Sharrow Athletic over Porter United was the performance of the two opposite strikers. Mohamed Diria bagged a brace for Porter, but the star of the afternoon was 17 year-old Kasim Rehman, whose hat-trick included an audacious Beckhamesque lob from the halfway line.
"The standard of play during these semi-finals was excellent. There was a really friendly and sporting atmosphere between the teams. The lads all know each other through training together and previous Football Unites events. The up-coming final should be a corker."
Howard Holmes, Football Unites Coordinator.
All four teams playing in these semi-finals are supported by Football Unites. Each year the best two teams play on the hallowed Bramall Lane turf as part of Football Unites' Community Day. Sunday’s Community Cup kicks off at 4pm, at the end of the 7th joint Football Unites/SUFC Community Day.