London's road to Paradise triumph
By: Newsroom Staff on 06 Sep, 2011 07:35
LONDON APSA made up for the disappointment of losing on penalties in last year’s final of the UK Asian Football Championships, to record a 1-0 victory over SEMSA (Scottish Ethnic Minority Sports Association) in the final at Celtic Park last Sunday.
SEMSA, making their first appearance in the final in over a decade, were resplendent in the Hoops and started brightly, cheered on by a decent crowd at Celtic Park.
However, London APSA, making their fifth appearance in the final, got to grips with their Scottish opponents and gradually imposed themselves on the game.
The London side have a good football pedigree, having reached the first round of the FA Cup, an achievement documented on Football Focus and Sky Sports.
London created a few decent chances in the first half but the SEMSA goalkeeper was in good form, pulling off some good saves to ensure the first-half ended goalless.
The second half was certainly livelier, with plenty of tackles flying in. SEMSA defended well but lacked pace up front. The spectre of another penalty shoot-out was looming when London broke clear of the SEMSA defence to score a goal worthy to win any cup final.
Despite the frantic efforts of the home side, London APSA comfortably held out to ensure the UK Asian Football Championship trophy would be heading south.
SEMSA, in partnership with Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Life, Celtic and Rangers were proud to host the UK Asian Football Championships in Glasgow.
Now in its thirteenth year, the event has successfully raised the profile of Asians in football at all levels of the game. Further, it uses football to exemplify the diversity of the city whilst acknowledging the identity of all communities.
Seven teams from across England and one team from Scotland qualified to play in the tournament.
This year’s teams were: Coppice United; Sikh Hunters FC; Sporting Bengal; London APSA; Punjab United Sports Wolverhampton; Punjab United Derby; SEMSA FC; Singh Sabha Barking.
Celtic Chief Executive Peter Lawwell said: “Celtic Football Club was delighted to host and sponsor the UK’s Asian Football Championships once again. The event is one which Celtic was closely involved in forming and it is very pleasing to see the way in which it has developed over a number of years.
“Celtic has always been more than a football club and has long supported a variety of important community events. We are a major Scottish institution, and our social dimension is of paramount importance.
“We applaud the work for equality and respect of cultural differences within communities in Glasgow and we are delighted to be involved in this initiative.
“Events such as the UK Asian Championships are therefore very welcome and they’ve proven to be highly successful in promoting opportunity for all in sport and in providing a fantastic avenue for the promotion of young Asian footballers.
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