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Canaries edged out in extra time thriller - 03/05/09

Canaries hopes of winning the Northwest Championships were dashed as they lost 5-3 in extra time to an energetic Coppice Utd side. 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 winners. Canaries must now pick themselves up, as they attempt to defend their crown at the UK Asian Championships at the weekend.

Canaries off to flier in Northwest Championships - 02/05/09

Canaries progressed comfortably to the semi-finals of 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 to book a place against holders Coppice FC in the semi-finals.

Canaries retain premiership status- 30/04/09

Canaries left it to their last game of the season to secure their premiership status with a superb team effort, defeating 3rd placed Preston Town 4-1 at Preston Sports Arena. Canaries started off slowly and took the lead against run of play from Zuber Mal's header. The goal gave Canaries the momentum and they sqaundered 3 good chances before Suleman Hafeji struck from an acute angle. A penalty just before the break put Preston Town back in the game. Two quick goals in the second half ended the Preston Town fightback and Canaries should have gone on to score more as chances went begging. Preston Town missed a penalty 8 mins from the end but Canaries were comfortable by now. The win meant Canaries ended the season in a respectable 7th position.
The management would like to thank club sponsors Swan Bathrooms, all the players, fans and club officials, particularly manager Abdul Rauf Khan for their effort and involvement over the course of the season.
Next up for Canaries is the Northwest Championships, where they play Paak Utd from Nelson on Sat 2nd May at Blackburn Rovers Youth Academy. Kick off at 2.45pm.

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