Matchweek 3 of the 2025 MFL season delivered excitement across all three fixtures. Hounslow North edged out rivals Hounslow South in a thrilling 4-3 local derby, Hayes proved their title credentials with a dominant victory over Slough, and Greenford earned their first win of the season with an impressive 6-2 result against Southall. With three different storylines unfolding, the MFL title race is heating up.

Hounslow North 4 – 3 Hounslow South

The Hounslow derby lived up to its hype as a fast-paced, physical encounter. Hounslow South struck first through Asif after good play from Basil, but North responded quickly when Dabeer headed home from a corner delivered by Dr Sajir. South regained the lead when Shahweer drove from deep and fired in a brilliant goal, only for Labeeb to level things again just before halftime.

The second half saw North’s set-piece strength on full display. Adnan put them in front with another header from a corner, again assisted by Dr Sajir, before Labeeb volleyed in following a throw-in from Dabeer to make it 4-2. South pulled one back late on from the penalty spot, but it wasn’t enough as Hounslow North secured their first win , but can they continue this form and challenge their rivals for the title as they’ve done in previous years. although Hounslow North have had a rough year, they can still turn it around.

Captains words (Dabeer Rana) : “We started the game strong with two big chances in the opening minutes, but unfortunately went behind early to an own goal from a corner. The boys didn’t let their heads drop and we responded well – my backheel from Dr Shirjeel’s assist and then Labeeb’s finish put us in front. South equalised just before halftime, but we came out after the break with real intensity. Adnan scored quickly from anotherone of Dr.Shirjeel’s corner, and then Labeeb added his second from my through ball. Credit to South, they kept pushing and got a late penalty, but by then the game was done. It was a proper derby ,full of battles and high tempo, and I’m proud of the lads for coming through it with a big 4-3 win.”

Hayes 3 – 0 Slough

In a battle between two of the league’s frontrunners, Hayes sent a statement of intent with a commanding 3-0 win over Slough. Salman was the star of the show, scoring twice and assisting once, while Masood added a goal and an assist to round off a clinical performance.

Slough, who had looked strong in the opening two weeks, struggled to deal with Hayes’ sharp attacking movement and physical presence. Hayes, meanwhile, look every bit the title favourites with three wins from three and momentum firmly on their side.

 

Captains words (Tariq Mehmood) :  “Going into the match we were struggling just to put a team together. Originally the match was set for Thursday, but when that didn’t work, the choice was either to play short or forfeit. In the end we managed to bring in five 15 year olds and even a stand in goalkeeper, but every single one of them worked tirelessly. Amin, just 15, did an incredible job marking Ridwan, the league’s top scorer, and never gave him space. Salman was outstanding with two goals and a brilliant assist , his vision to pick out Masood, who then scored from outside the box, summed up the team’s spirit. Even without key players like Mahir, Daniyal, Sameer, Sheheryar, and Zinedine, the boys showed heart and discipline to win 3-0. I couldn’t be prouder of the effort and unity we showed today.”

Southall 2 – 6 Greenford

Greenford registered their first victory of the season with a big win over Southall. The game started with a dramatic opening minute as Ibtihaj gave Southall the lead, but Imran equalised for Greenford just minutes later. A defensive error gifted Greenford a second before halftime, and they never looked back.

In the second half, Taimoor took a perfect corner leading Umar to head it in powerfully , accompanied by Asad who then extended the lead for Greenford with well earned goals,  Wahaj also got on the scoresheet after a beautiful bit of skill from Imran on the right wing. Southall responded through Mudassar, assisted by Zarjaan, but Asad completed his hat-trick late on to seal the 6-2 win. Greenford impressed with their attacking fluency, it seems that they’ve finally found their rhythm, but can they keep it flowing and prove to be a viable threat to the other contenders . While Southall continue to search for their first points of the season.

Captains words (Wahaj Qamar) : “We played well. First half was tough. During half time we came together and discussed what we can do better, and second half went smoothly, with the team being more organised and playing as a team with better formation”

League Standings & Roundup

Hayes sit top of the table with 9 points from 3 games, followed by Slough and Hounslow South on 6 points each. Hounslow North’s derby victory brings them back into the mix with 3 points, while Greenford begin to climb off the bottom with their first win, earning them 3 points. Southall remain winless, but with plenty of football still to play, and points still up for grabs the season is wide open.

The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وسلم) said: “The believers, in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy, are just like one body. When one of the limbs suffers, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever.” (Sahih Bukhari & Muslim)

This teaching reminds us that the strength of our brotherhood is in how we look after and support one another. In the MFL, matches can be fast, competitive, and at times even heated , but the purpose goes far beyond just winning. The intensity and passion we see on the pitch is ultimately a reflection of brothers pushing each other to be better , not only as footballers, but as members of the Jama’at. At the end of the day, every player, whether in victory or defeat, is still part of one family. The league is at its best when that spirit of unity shines through: competing hard on the field, while never forgetting that off the field we remain one body, one brotherhood, working together for the same cause.

Looking Ahead

Matchweek 4 brings more action: Greenford face Hounslow North in a tough test against the league leaders, Southall take on Slough, and Hayes meet Hounslow South in a clash of early title contenders. Another week of drama awaits as the season continues to unfold.