Sharrow United, in only their fourth season, stormed to a comprehensive win in the Sheffield Regional Alliance Sunday League Cup Final with a 7-0 score line against fellow finalists Blackburn Railway.
The game was effectively determined as early as the second minute, when a 25-yard screamer from man of the match Tariq Ahktar hit the top corner of the net. The same player had already scored 60 seconds earlier, and Blackburn were clearly shell-shocked, in front of a crowd of over 100 spectators.
Further goals from Abdul Rehman and Ifty Afzal followed before Ahktar completed his hat trick shortly before half time for a 5-0 midway lead. Sharrow understandably eased off in the second period, whilst Blackburn began to put pressure on the Sharrow defence with some full-blooded attacks. Goalkeeper Naveed Ahmed made a series of fine stops to deny the Railway a consolation goal. A looping header from Keith Ward and a mazy dribble from sub Imran Ali ended the scoring.
Sharrow now must win their last three league games to have a chance of pulling off the double.
Manager Maqsood Ahktar said after the match: "I was very pleased with the manner of our victory - we played some lovely passing football. It was also great to see so many people turning out - it shows the potential there is in the local Asian community to support a successful football team"
"We are extremely proud of what the team has achieved" said FURD co-ordinator Howard Holmes. "Sharrow is a harmonious, multicultural place to live and work, and the team´s success has shown exactly how football can unite"