16 Feb 2008 - Bangladesh tour 2008

 

Note:

All the match reports & player reviews have been written by one of our players on tour with the team.

 

The commitee & management would like to thank this player for all the time & effort he has put into writing these reports.

 

First match

 

Match report 19/02/08

  

East One Vs Chittagong Professional District 11

  

Our first game of the tour and expectations were high.  The mood was confident in the camp, the preparation itself had been far from ideal due to Biman’s baimani but we were all well aware of the importance of getting off to a good start.

 

 

We knew what to expect from the pitch as we had a light training session there the night before.  Hard and dusty were the operative words but nothing different to what we had seen from our league seasons!

 

The night before we had a team meal at the luxurious 5 star Ambrosia restaurant and on match day morning we all went on a day visit to Potanga Beach for some relaxation. So come 4 PM on that afternoon, everyone was relaxed and rearing to go!

 

On pitch side there was a small crowd gathering, by kick-off time that crowd had grown to 400 to 500 strong. Our captain for the game, Shiraz bhai, lead the team out to line up alongside the Chittagong 11, to meet each other and other notable dignitaries from the club. We listened to a long speech by their club president, shook hands with everyone and anyone and finally both the captains passed on their respective badges to each other. Now the formal procedures were out of the way, it was time to get down to business of playing football.

 

The starting line had sprung quite a few surprises with numerous players making their East One debuts. Firstly the new captain was selected in the right back position. Akkash was keeping goal, Bulbul was charged with holding the midfield together and our very own sleeping beauty, Mosthak, was leading the attack up front.  Our usual dependable defenders, Tipu & Shaiful were playing, together with Khosru at left back made up the defence.  Player manager Koyar was part of midfield and Lokus & Afsar were on the right & left wing respectively.  Our other striker Mahbub was playing as the link between midfield and strike. So on paper, it was looking like a strong team.  On the bench we had some talented players to come on too should the need arise. Game on.

 

We had kick off and kept the ball well.............for all of 10 secs. Chittagong district 11 won the ball and went straight on the attack. Soon the first goal was conceded following a mistake and we just never recovered.  Very quickly it was 2 nil and we desperately needed to make some substitutions. Although only 5 minutes had passed by, players were dropping out like flies due to the heat and humidity.  Wholesale changes were made but it did little to affect the flow of the game. It roughly went as follows.......East One kick off, East One lose the ball, Chittagong District 11 keep the ball, Chittagong District 11 attack and Chittagong District 11 score and again East One had kick off and so on and so on.

 

In one rare moment of attack, Lokus somehow managed to escape the close attentions of his marker and actually put a ball in the area. However such was the low confidence in the team and the deep positioning of the strikers, there was no one around to react to the attack.

 

A bad start is very much the norm for East One. It has actually reached the point where if we have a good start then I would begin to worry. However once the 1 nil quickly turned into 4 nil we knew the game was beyond us. The first half ended up being 6 nil to the home team and the second half was a case of damage limitation and maybe, just maybe getting a shot on target!

 

The second half started off refreshingly different though. We defended a lot better as a team. The opposition found it a great deal harder to walk through us and the team were slowly trying to string some passes together. We did achieve our target of not letting the score line reach double figures, Mosthak managed a shot on target (although it was more of a pass than a shot) and overall a slightly more cohesive performance.

 

Kashem was adding some much needed steel to the midfield, Mabz was trying to make some things happen upfront and the team were trying to use Afsar on the left wing more to create and stretch the opposition.  Eventually it wasn’t to be and we lost two more goals to culminate in a crushing 8 nil defeat in our first game.

  

The mood in the camp after that game was very low.  Expectations and reality were vastly different and we had to face up to it. However it was after our dinner with the opposition in the evening which soon changed that.

 

In the evening, there was post-game dinner. This enabled members from both clubs to mingle and find out more about the culture and background of the respective clubs and players. During this ceremony we found out that the Chittagong professional district 11 were in fact made of professional players from a handful of local Bangladeshi premiership teams. To make the task even more daunting they had within their ranks 5 players who are first team regulars in the Bangladeshi national team.

 

To put this into context, think of the shock defeat of Liverpool by Barnsley ……..then multiply it by 100. So here we were, East One, a club which had been established for all of 2 years playing in a foreign country, in stifling weather conditions against the best professional players in the south of Bangladesh and indeed 5 of which were the best players in the country. WOW!

 

We had come a long way from Samba and the likes in the ILF league. We should be proud that we were firstly, able to organise such a gathering and secondly, that we were able to limit the damage against such quality players.  Even more then that we had a few players within our ranks, who had performed well enough to impress the opposition management and actually prompt serious transfer negotiations!!

 

So on the face of it, a humiliating defeat but relatively speaking a brave effort by the team where we learnt huge lessons and gained some remarkable experiences to help stand us in good stead for the future.

 

Chittagong 8 : 0 East One

 

Team: (right to left)

 

Akkash, Shiraz (C), Shaifur, Tipu , Khosru, Lokus, Bulbul, Koyar, Afsar, Mahbub, Mosthak

 

Subs: (all used)

 

Ali, Kashem, Mabz, Raziqque, Jamal, Walid

 

Man of the match:

 

This was closely run between Lokus & Shaifur. Both impressed enough to warrant some genuine interest from the opposition.  However Shaifur, just edges it. Even though we conceded 8 goals, he never stopped trying, he never gave up and he made some fantastic tackles through out.

 

 Second Match 

 

Match report 23/02/08

  

East One Vs Innatgoynj 11

  

5 days later, with the defeat in Chittagong a distant memory now, the team were facing strong opposition in the form of Innatgoynj 11. East One had an all-inclusive bonding session in the picturesque city of Cox ’s Bazaar and were now feeling at home having arrived in the more familiar surroundings of Syhlet City .  The team were now fully acclimatised to the Bangladeshi climate but no amount of preparation in the world would have been enough to face up to the shock of seeing the Innatgoynj pitch for the first time. There were sections of the pitch literally missing! Some places on the pitch were actually higher above sea level then other points!

 

The game started off well, the opposition had the majority of the ball but could not find a way through.  We defended resolutely, the whole back line were playing well including the newly designated left back, Afsar. Ali too was looking like a safe pair of hands in goal.

 

Attacking wise however, we couldn’t get much of a flow going. The pitch wasn’t helping this but we knew if the defence could hold out we could catch them on the break and grab a breakaway goal. And that is exactly how it played out.

 

Midway through the half, they conceded a free kick. From the resulting free kick Rashid pumped a hopeful ball over the top, the opposition defence waited for the keeper to come out and collect but somehow Mosthak managed to sneak in beforehand and bundled the ball home. Finally a goal to celebrate but more importantly, East One was leading. That is how it stayed until half time.

 

During the second half, it was more of the same. They tried to throw all they could at us but we managed to keep them at bay. At one point, one of their players even took a dive in the box in an attempt to make something (and no, he wasn’t called Drogba if you’re wondering!). The referee saw straight through it and accordingly booked him. It’s funny to see some things never change in football, regardless of where and at what level you’re playing at!

 

As we’re neared the end of the game, our attacks were few and far between at this stage, the main focus was on squeezing out the win. Innatgoynj, however were on full out attack mode.

 

During one of their moves they managed to get the ball in the box and put some bodies in there, however Ali came out and claimed the ball. Or had he? The Innatgoynj striker kicked the ball out of Ali’s hands and this started a scramble with the outfield players to try and get to it. In the midst of this, the referee blew his whistle and immediately after that Innatgoynj kicked the ball into the back of the net.

 

East One breathed a huge sigh of relief as we assumed the whistle blew for a foul on the keeper but Innatgoynj were celebrating, they assumed they got the goal. Confusion set in everywhere but the Referee seemed the most bewildered. He just innocently looked away and pointed to the centre. He had given the goal to the home team and conveniently forgot about blowing up for the foul.

 

We were gobsmacked but in football anything can happen, so we grudgingly respected the decision and went about trying to restore the score line.

 

Not soon after that incident, Innatgoynj could sense victory was in the offing so they too looked to get a winner.  They played an innocuous looking ball in the area but Tipu was there, he looked to control it and start up another attack but I don’t know if the pitch caused a bobble, or the pressure and stress got to him but he just let the ball roll under his foot and straight to the Innatgoynj striker. The striker graciously accepted the invitation and easily stroked the ball home to take the lead for Innatgoynj. There wasn’t much time left after that and it turned out to be the winning goal.

 

It was a hard fought game which we deserved at least a point from. Other than that mistake, Tipu had an excellent game but come final whistle, he must have wished the ground would have swallowed him up. Indeed judging by the size of some of the pot holes on the pitch, I think he could easily have disappeared into one of them!

 

On the whole, the back line had a very impressive game with Shaifur, Razzique and Ali back to their defensive best.

 

Attacking wise the pitch just did not lend itself to the flowing game that East One thrive on. Our wingers drove forward when they could but not too much success.  Bulbul especially tried very hard to get forward and was revelling in the space afforded to him on the left. Rashid was pulling the strings in central midfield and seemed to fit straight into the team on his debut.  His experience clearly showed and the way he controlled the team was excellent. A very cool and calming presence on the pitch.

 

A special mention also has to go to our striker Mahbub. He was captain for the game against his village team. Last time he came over to play on the same pitch 17 years ago, he scored a hat trick and won the match. Unfortunately the results were not the same but he led the team out with great honour & professionalism. A credit to East One and his home town.

 

And finally congratulations on Mosthak. Not entirely sure what came off his jelly belly first? The opposition keeper or the ball, but who cares?! His first ever East One goal and the first East One goal ever scored in Bangladesh .

 

The goal difference isn’t looking too healthy at this point but we are making steady if unspectacular progress.

 

Innatgoynj  2 : 1 East One

  

Team: (right to left)

 

Ali, Raziqque, Shaifur, Tipu , Afsar, Lokus, Rashid, Koyar, Bulbul, Mahbub (C), Mosthak

 

Subs:

 

Akkash, Kashem, Mabz, Khosru, Jamal, Walid

 

Man of the match:

 

As I mentioned already, the defence, bar a vital error at the end, had a very strong game in difficult conditions. Afsar in particularly, had an inspired performance. Foregoing his attacking desire to sit tight and defend for the team. A very encouraging performance, a stark difference to his anonymous showing in Chittagong . Well done.

 

 

Third Match

 

Match report 25/02/08

 

East One Vs Sunamgonj 11

 

With 2 defeats under our belt, the desire and motivation for yet another game (and potentially another defeat!) was becoming hard to muster. The love for the game was fading and with our third game in a week and the hundreds of miles we had travelled since arriving in Bangladesh , fatigue was beginning to set in. With that in mind, changes were made to the team to freshen things up. Out went Lokus, Mahbub and Raziqque and in came Khosru, Mabz & Kashem.

 

It took a long few hours to arrive at the Sunamgonj national stadium but the wait was well worth it. The reception that greeted us was beyond anything that I have ever witnessed. Firstly the loud and dramatic drum beat that welcomed us as we walked into the stadium, left the hairs on every player’s neck stand up. Once into the stadium, the burgeoning crowd were making their presence felt.  It was awe inspiring, more akin to the San Siro than San Sunamgonj!!

Soon all the little aches and pains that people had had suddenly disappeared.  The motivation and desire was back and everyone wanted to play in this emotionally stimulating environment.

  

Once the formalities with the club officials were over, Mabz our captain for the game, led the team out. The pitch wasn’t the best but it was playable. It was actually Wembley standards compared to the last one.

The game got under way and East One got off to a steady start. Not many chances were had by either teams but the team were making some progress. Especially on right hand side, here we had 2 players in new positions. Ali was making his comeback at right back and Bulbul was starting on the right wing. Bulbul was enjoying his new role and was starting to make a few things happen for the team.

  

So things were going well but then disaster struck. Tipu was trying very hard to redeem himself from his mistake in the previous game. He just made a superb tackle and was about to move play forward when instead of striking the ball, he kicked the edge of one the numerous potholes that were lying about all over the place. The scream of anguish that he cried was soon silenced by the cheers of the crowd as Sunamgoynj 11 pounced on the mistake to take a 1 – nil lead.

  

Tipu was distraught and even tried to play on despite the pain but was clearly in no fit condition to do so. He was soon replaced by Ali at centre back with Raziqque coming on to fill in at right back. That goal just seemed to fill the team with despair and we never gathered any kind of attacking momentum after that. It finished 1-nil at half time.

  

The second half was more of the same. There was no fluency in our attacking play but defensively we were coping admirably. The game disappointingly finished like this, 1-nil to Sunamgoynj 11.

  

Team: (right to left)

Akkash, Ali, Shaifur, Tipu , Khosru, Bulbul, Koyar, Kashem, Afsar, Mosthak, Mabz (C)

Subs:

Raziqque, Lokus, Mahbub, Rashid, Jamal, Walid

  

While the result was disappointing, there were a few plus points to note. Akkash & Bulbul had their best game for East One to date. Both had been very impressive in training but that had not transferred over to matches, until today.

Mabz was maturing in his new role as captain and lead the team very well.

Khosru was showing how versatile he can be by filling in at left back, on the left wing and even in the middle should the need arise.

  

Man of the match:

 

In this game, Lokus received the actual trophy from the match organisers. Although attacking wise we didn’t show enough to penetrate, the hosts were nevertheless impressed with his ability to beat his marker and his willingness to take on players.  On the teamwork front however, this was probably his worst game of the tour and on that note the club’s ‘Man of the match’ goes to Mohammed Ali.

 

 

The resurgent Ali, with the calming presence of Shaifur beside him, was doing a superb job deputising for the crocked Tipu . He hasn’t played many minutes in the last few months but his versatility and concentration level in this game made him deserve the title.

 

 

Fourth Match 

 

Match report 28/02/08

  

East One Vs Jogonatphur 11

  

And here we are....two weeks of hard work, sweat and blood (don’t worry no one got hurt but the irritating mosquitoes did take their fair share of blood) were culminating in this final game against the Jogonatphur 11. The game was unique for another reason too.....there two very special guests present at the game. Both the British Commissioner to Bangladesh and the Bangla media giants ‘Channel S’ was present at the game, together with approximately 3,000 spectators at pitch side. This would truly be a memorable game. High profile guests together with international television coverage, East One FC had truly reached the big time. Now could the team deliver in such an impressive climate?

 

To put it blunt.......No! Not good enough by a long shot. The team were suffering from the absence of big players and it clearly showed in the first 20 minutes. This together with some rookie mistakes by our more experienced players meant East One lost four goals in very quick succession.  The team pressed the panic button and there was no way back. Or so I thought.

 

But after the fourth goal went in....some things just clicked into place for the team. Maybe the drubbing meant that the pressure was off us, maybe the opposition eased off or maybe some people just realised we were in the middle of a game....I don’t know what it was but the penny dropped and it was like a different team. We started to pass better, tackles were flying in and actually making contact and more significantly, we were starting to press their defence.  Our new strike pairing of Lokus and Mabz were chasing every lost cause and the midfield was getting in on the act too. The team had a golden opportunity to score just before half time but Lokus and Mahbub both failed to make it count. Unfortunately we couldn’t make the domination count so we went in to half time still four nil down.

 

No changes were made and it was a case of carry on the good work. Again the whole team chased and chased, and finally we got some reward. The ball was worked well by the team on the right and was finally crossed in for Mabz to swivel his head and nod it home.  At long last we got a goal and some kind of foothold on the game.  The defence were really solid this half and the opposition did not get a sniff. The humid conditions were beginning to tell on some players and so changes were made. Mosthak came on and made an immediate impact. We had a free kick just outside the area which Mosthak despatched with consummate ease. The sleepyhead hit the perfect spot and the ball curled magnificently away from the keeper and into the top corner.  4–2, game on!

 

Lokus wanting to get in on the act had his chance too. Mosthak found Lokus in space in the penalty area with a delightful chip and our captain for the day Lokus, duly obliged and finished the flowing move by controlling and tucking the ball away for the third goal in fell swoop.

 

4-3 now and the Jogonatphur 11 were now really worried. They were willing the whistle to be blown and when the referee did decide full time, there was a collective sigh of relief from them. I was sure if we had a few minutes extra we would have scored the equaliser but it wasn’t to be and ultimately we’ll look back at that crazy 20 minutes spell where we gifted them four goals and in the end, the game.

 

Bar that period in the first half, this was the best that Bangladesh saw of East One. The manager drew up the team with attack in mind that is exactly what we did. A very important note for the future here is that attack is the best form of defence and is definitely a concept that works for us. Management, please bear in mind.

 

The team together played very poorly for the first 20 minutes but equally played outstanding as a unit for the rest of the game.

 

The whole back line was impenetrable for the second half and notably the partnership of Ali & the ever dependable Shaifur & Raziqque, worked really well.

 

Khosru and Akkash were at fault for some of the goals but their reaction was commendable afterwards and kept the team in the game at times.

 

The untried partnership of Kashem and Mahbub in centre midfield worked a treat. Their understanding grew as the game developed and it is no surprise that the whole team played better as a result.

 

On the wings we had Afsar, Bulbul & Koyar doing a fantastic job of supporting the full backs as well as providing attacking impetus.

 

And finally our strikers had a field day in front of goal. Could and should have had more but Lokus & Mosthak displayed great quality in attack.  Our captain Lokus in particular played a big part in the revival after the four goal slump. He took it upon himself to galvanise and motivate the team. A fantastic leadership display. It nearly went too far on one occasion when he tried to tackle one of his team mates for the ball. Passion is good but remember who you’re playing for.................you’ve got to inspire team mates not injure them!!

 

Jogonatphur 4 : 3 East One FC

  

Man of the match:

 

‘Man of the match’ has got to go to Mabz. The guy was playing like a man possessed in front of goal today. He didn’t give the opposition defence a second’s rest and took his goal excellently. He even created chances for himself and was lucky not to get a few more. Great fighting spirit and well deserved ‘Man of the match’.

 

Team: (right to left)

 

Akkash, Raziqque, Ali, Shaifur, Khosru, Bulbul, Kashem, Mahbub, Afsar, Lokus (C), Mabz

 

Subs:

 

Mushtak, Koyar, Jamal, Walid

 

So the two weeks are over and it has finished with yet another defeat.  The score line isn’t the most important thing and with the squad that we took over to Bangladesh we put up a good fight. The main objective was for the team to get a sample for what Bangladesh has to offer, experience a different culture and see how the medium of football can be used as a way of building friendship and support.  On that front it was a clear success.

 

Much, if not all the gratitude has to go to the East One YCS management team. With the grace of Allah (swt) this trip has been hugely successful and without their vision and sacrifice, not a single step would have been taken. It was a huge step for the organisation to take and ultimately it has proven to be a successful one.  Management of time, resources and people has been second to none and not a single factor was overlooked.

 

East One YCS Committee..................on behalf of the players and supporters of the clubs we say a collective WELL DONE, masha-Allah. Long may you run such an efficient and considerate organisation.......you have been a credit to the community.

 

 

Player review

 

Akash

– hadn’t played for 10 years prior to this trip. At times this fact was painfully clear but by the end he was an important player for the team. A crowd favourite with his comedy antics.

 

Ali

was worried about a lack of match fitness but somehow managed to conceal it and finish the campaign very strongly. Very adaptable and is always consistent, a great team player.

 

 

 

Raziqque

the years may be catching up on him but in the tackle there is no one better. Solid and dependable as ever, our very own Gary Neville!!

 

 

 

 

Shaifur

what a performer! When it matters he is always there to be counted. Has been a star turn on this tour and rightly deserves the title of ‘Man of the Tour’.

 

 

 

 

 

Tipu

unfortunate injury meant he was ruled out prematurely. A great battler who always puts his body on the line for the team. Has tendency to lose concentration at times but always give 110%.

 

 

 

 

 

Khosru

 

very adaptable player who has the best years behind him now. Part of a group of players who were with East One since it was created,but now his age has caught up with them. Performed well when called upon. Can bow out with his head held high.

 

  

  

 

Shiraz

– contribution off the pitch was greater than on. A wealth of knowledge and experience which he tried to pass on to the team. Would be a great addition to any football committee.

 

Afsar

possesses great strength on the ball. Showed his flexibility and maturity when switched to left back and still performed well. A great character to have around the squad.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lokus

 

ability and pace in abundance but doesn’t always fulfil his undoubted potential. Needs to show more results for his efforts but always gives 110% for the team. Is a willing runner, always eager to take on players and never gives up. At 23, our youngest player on tour.

 

 

 

 

Bulbul

 

shows great ability in training but has yet to fully transfer it into a game situation. When he does though it will be spectacular as he has boundless of energy and drive and has the potential to make a huge difference to the team 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kashem

 

has great steely resolve. Doesn’t take defeat lightly and always gives it his all. Positional sense is excellent but can get drawn into making unnecessary tackles. Gives it his all for the team.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rashid – a fantastic reader of the game. Can slow or speed up a game according to his wish. Didn’t build the understanding with fellow       midfielders due to lack of time with the team. Knowledge of the game is vast and will make a great coach/manager when he decides the time is right.

 

Mahbub

very much the thinking man’s footballer.  Injuries have taken his   toll on his body but his link up play is still outstanding. A great professional who has the potential to carry on playing into his forties if he has the right people (and legs) around him.

 

 

 

 

 

Mosthak

 

– a joy to watch. Have seen flashes of his brilliance on the pitch but

fitness and a lack of pace have limited his progress. Classy attacker who could do with waking up on the pitch at times.

  

Mabz

showed what a great striker he is by the end of the tour. Still lacking full match fitness. Who knows what a difference a fully fit Mabz would have made? Unstoppable on his day.

 

 

 

 

 

Management

 

Koyar

his traditional energetic displays seemed to desert him on tour. Very adaptable players who could fit into any position from defence to attack. Has been a thoroughly competent manager and clearly loves the game with a passion.

 

 

 

Jamal

a very adept number 2. Very much the Phil Thompson to Houllier. Bark is worse than his bite but try telling that to the refs that he is shouting/barking at. Great passion for the club which is infectious.

 

 

 

Walid

took to management like a duck to water. Seems to know exactly what to say and when to say it. Good man management skills together with his tactical awareness will hopefully bring successful times to the club.