Matchweek 2 saw three very different storylines unfold across the MFL. Slough needed a last-minute goal to edge past Greenford after a dramatic contest, Hayes collected three points after Hounslow North uncharacteristically forfeited, and Hounslow South put on a commanding display with a 7-0 destruction of Southall. The early weeks of the season are already setting the tone for an unpredictable campaign.

Greenford 2-3 Slough

Just a week after cruising past defending champions Hounslow North 6-2, Slough found themselves in a much tougher battle against Greenford. Bilal Khan gave Slough the perfect start with a 4th-minute goal, but Greenford responded well and were rewarded early in the second half when a header in an attempt to clear the ball in the Slough ended up going backwards into their own net.

Ajjar then stunned the favourites by firing Greenford into the lead in the 41st minute. But Slough showed their experience under pressure, Danial levelled things with a tidy finish in the 45th minute, before Imaad curled home a sensational winner in the dying moments. Greenford again showed flashes of quality but couldn’t see the game out, while Slough’s resilience proved the difference with the last kick of the game soaring through the sky into the top right corner of Greenford’s goal scraping past Zain who made many tremendous saves to keep Greenford in the game.

Hayes 3-0 Hounslow North (Forfeit)

In one of the surprises of the season so far, Hounslow North (the 2024 champions) were unable to field a side and were forced to forfeit their highly anticipated clash with rivals Hayes. The result hands Hayes three points, though not in the way they would have liked.

After being outclassed by Slough in Matchweek 1, North now face questions about their squad depth and preparation. Two weeks into the season, the defending champions are already under pressure, while Hayes quietly strengthen their title credentials.

Southall 0-7 Hounslow South

Hounslow South delivered one of their most dominant performances to date, sweeping Southall aside in a one-sided 7-0 victory. Ali opened the scoring in the 18th minute, followed quickly by Shaweer, Faiq, and Faris to give South a 4-0 lead at halftime.

The second half continued in the same fashion as Sharik, Faique, Shaweer, and Ahmar all added their names to the scoresheet. Faique Khan claimed Man of the Match after scoring once and assisting twice in a superb all-round display. Southall struggled to keep possession throughout, while Hounslow South’s sharp passing and finishing left no doubt about their superiority.

League Standings & Roundup

After two weeks, Slough, Hayes, and Hounslow South lead the way with two wins from two matches leaving them each with 6 points. The league is proving to be extremely competitive with three horses in the lead, while the current champions are under real pressure to turn their season around. Greenford will take confidence from another spirited display, while Southall are still looking for their first points of the campaign.

As Allah سُبْحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَى reminds us:

“Hold fast to the rope of Allah all together, and do not become divided” (Quran 3:103)

Brotherhood, teamwork and unity will be vital for every team, both in victory and in defeat.

Looking Ahead

Matchweek 3 promises more drama: Greenford face Southall in a tough test for both sides, Hounslow North face Hounslow South in a clash between two teams eager to prove themselves, and Hayes meet Slough in what could be a crucial fixture for the champions’ season. With the table still wide open and a local derby between the Hounslow sides on the horizon, every game counts.