Northwest Championships 09 - Canaries defeated in semi-final thriller

Canaries began the Northwest Championships with a 5-1 victory over Paak Utd from Nelson. Canaries started the game confidently and were rewarded with an early goal from Saj Kalang after Zuber Mal had hit the post following a good move involving Aamir Toorawah. The lead was doubled shortly after, when Suleman Hafeji's free kick deceived the Paak keeper and flew directly into the net. Paak stepped up the pressure and were nearly rewarded when they crashed a shot against the woodwork just before the break. Canaries went into half time with their lead intact.

Soon after the break Canaries increased their lead when Zuber Mal thundered in a volley from inside the area following a cross by Suleman Hafeji. Any Paak comeback was ended when they were reduced to 10 ten men following a headbutt on Suleman Hafeji. This appeared to spur Paak on as Canaries sat back, allowing Paak to score. They almost had another but a great save from Kwasi Dwamena  kept the score at 3-1. Paak's spirited resistance was ended when Zuber Mal scored with a tremendous 25 yard free kick which gave the Paak Utd keeper no chance. Aamir Toorawah scored the 5th following a jinking run

Canaries met holders Coppice Utd in the semi finals.  Coppice were quickest out of the blocks and used the strong wind to good advantage, causing numerous problems down the Canaries right. Only alert keeping from Canaries keeper Kwasi Dawamena kept the scores level. Eventually the Coppice pressure paid off as they took the lead. Coppice continued to dominate but Canaries equalised against the run of play, when a fine pass from Junaid Kalang, led to Aamir Toorawah equalising. The teams went in at half time 1-1. 

Canaries came out for the second half in determined mood and forced Coppice onto the backfoot. They were rewarded when sub Zuber Mal headed in to give Canaries a 2-1 lead. Coppice came back and equalised although it appeared Sohail Suleman was fouled in the process. The game was now becoming open with both sides looking for a winner. Canaries took the lead again through Aamir Toorawah's 2nd of the game but back came Coppice again to equalise making the score 3-3 to take the game into extra time. Canaries were now looking increasingly sluggish - the toll of 3 games in 4 days was beginning to show. Coppice took the lead in the first period of extra time. Although Canaries had a few half chances in the 2nd period , it was a Coppice breakaway goal which finally broke the Canaries resistance. In the end Coppice Utd ran out worthy 5-3 winners.

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