Hosts get their hands on the ultimate prize (From Asian Image)

Hosts get their hands on the ultimate prize

4:03pm Sunday 10th August 2008 in Sport By Ali Tilley

It took them nine- years but finally Canaries won the Royal Piri Piri Restaurant sponsored Abdul Charity Cup in Preston.

The recent winners of the UK Asian Community Cup the failure to win Abdul Charity Cup was the only blot on the Canaries list of honours.

They had reached the final twice but this time even the magnificent Ebrahim Nakhuda of Santos had no answer.

Canaries FC, Santos and Fishwick Rangers were all looking a bit sluggish with the latter two only finishing third in their respective groups.

In the last 16, Bank Top looked impressive with a comfortable 2-0 win against Hearts Utd. The surprise package - Real Preston with their youthful exuberance and energy won on penalties against Fishwick Rangers. Aakonla led by Ilyas Mal knocked out Rochdale Asia in controversial circumstances with a late penalty.

The Quarter Final saw Canaries FC win 1-0 against FC20/22 courtesy of a nicely taken penalty by Asif Ali.

Bank Top knocked five past the much fancied Halifax. Yasin bagging four out of his nine for the tournament in that game.

In the first Semi Final Real Preston played well without creating any clear chances against the old guard of Santos. With time running out and Real already thinking of a penalties up popped Nobby to slide in and give Santos a 1-0 win.

The other Semi Final between Canaries FC and Bank Top was just as close with no team really creating much in the early stages.

This was until Jav Mohammed glided effortlessly pass three players and his well hit shot trickled into the back of the net.

Bank Top tried their best to for an equaliser but Canaries stood firm.

The two Preston teams of Canaries FC and Santos met in the repeat final of last year.

Santos who had dominated this tournament having won it a remarkable five times and began as slight favourites.

In comparison Canaries had never won this tournament and were desperate to make it third time lucky.

As the match ended in a goalless draw it was time for another penalty shootout. Rizwan's penalty was well saved by Bilal Majoo of Canaries and it was left to Jav Mohammed to convert his spot kick to finally give Canaries to their first Abdul Charity Cup win.

Asian Image sponsored Goalkeeper of the Tournament: Bilal Majoo (Canaries FC) Asian Image sponsored Player of the Tournament: Sohail Leli (Deepdale La Caruna) The tournament was supported by Royal Piri Piri Restaurant, KW Foods Store Ltd, Angel Welfare & Education Trust, Haji Cash & Carry, Nakapa Travel, Preston Muslim Forum, Asian Image. Thanks to: Preston Sports Arena, referees, volunteers, supporters, participating teams and Canaries FC