Sheikh Russel reply critics with runners-up spot

Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra finished their Manyavar Bangladesh Premier League as runners-up after defeating Rahmatganj Muslim Friends Society by 4-0 at Bangabandhu National Stadium in Dhaka yesterday. Forward Paul Emile grabbed a brilliant hattrick and skipper Mithun Chowdhury scored the another to clinch full three points for the Royal Blues. After the first quarter, Paul Emile did well to dig out a cross just before the ball ran out of the play and the Cameroonian’s delivery floated beyond the far post, where Mithun Chowdhury attempted a volley but it was misplaced and the ball went side the bar. Jean J Ikanga tried a long ranger in the 30th minute but Rahmatganj goalkeeper Md Al Amin gloved it instantly. Three minutes later, Emile and Chigozie built up a nice one-two pass and Chigozie found him free inside the box but shot over the bar. In the 36th minute, Chigozie failed to utilise a Mithun Chowdhury corner and once again sent the ball wide. Russel got another scoring chance in the 38th minute as Emile sprinted past few Rahmatganj footballers collecting a through from Mithun but defender Sawkat Rasel sent the ball away with a splendid tackle to save his side. Russel eventually broke the deadlock in the 41st minute with a fine goal out of character with the rest of their rather tepid performance. Mithun received the ball from the left flank, ran with the ball and entered into the box; an unmarked Chigozie was waiting at the centre but Mithun did not pass the ball and decided to deliver a left-sided angular shot, which beat Rahmatganj goalkeeper (1-0). With just few seconds remaining before the end of the first half, Ikanga unfurled a delivery inside Rahmatganj box and Chigozie had only goalkeeper to beat, but the Nigerian’s lethargic effort was caught by Al Amin. Russel doubled their lead in the 57th minute when a corner from their No.7 Md Zahid Hossain floated perfectly near the post and Paul Emile’s header cannoned the ball inside the net (2-0). The Premier League runners-up were looking to increase the margin and they got their wish in the 62nd minute. First goal scorer Mithun sent a neat cross from the left wing and Emile completed his brace with another header (3-0). That should have been the springboard for Russel to close out the tie, yet they kept formulating one attack after another and Emile completed his hattrick in the 70th minute. Skipper Mithun sent a crafty angular through which was received by Emile and the Cameroonian hitman dodged past onrushing goalie Al Amin and netted the ball to complete his personal treble of the match (4-0). It was his 10th goal of the season. With this win, Sheikh Russel ended their campaign with 42 points from 20 matches and Rahmatganj remained on their previous collection of 14 points with commensurate experience but more bitter results. As per today’s fixture. Soccer Club, Feni will face Team BJMC at 4.15 pm at the same venue. The match between Muktijoddha Sangsad Krira Chakra and Farashganj Sporting Club will not be held at 6.30 pm due to Farashganj’s suspension from the league and therefore, Muktis will be given three points.