Khalsa Football Federation, Derby Tournament

6 July 2024

Khalsa Football Federation Tournament at the Racecourse Hub, Derby

It's been a few years since I last watched one of the Khalsa Football Federation's summer tournaments, which are for clubs from across the country with roots in Sikh communities.

They're straight knockout contests, and this year competing teams are divided into 'premier' and 'division one' competitions. Successful sides face a hectic schedule, playing up to four games in two days.

Derby's Racecourse Hub is a new venue, which may become home to tournament hosts Derby Singh Brothers this season. There are four 3G pitches, all of which were used for matches, as well as some distant grass pitches which also staged some of the Khalsa youth and veterans' contests. 

8.55am

Division One, Round of 16

Punjab United Derby O35 2 Queens Park Bedford 10 (att 19)

Early starts are a feature of Khalsa tournaments, but Punjab United's over 35 players hadn't got the message that this tie was scheduled for 8.45am. They ambled onto 'pitch three' several minutes late, and had to forgo a proper warm-up.

Their lack of preparation showed, as they went a goal down in the opening minute. Queens Park who, judging by their shirts, either are or have a close link to Bedfordshire County League side side Queens Park Crescents, were soon 4-0 up.

They then eased off, allowing Punjab to get two goals back before the break. An angry half-time team talk did the trick though, as Queens Park picked things up in the second half, scoring six unanswered goals.

I've no idea why Punjab United's over 35 team were in the open tournament rather than one of the Khalsa veterans competitions, but they were no match for the team from Bedford. Maybe their late start was deliberate, as it meant the game was truncated to two 35-minutes halves, saving them from conceding even more.

10.35am

Premier Division, Quarter Final

Derby Singh Brothers 6 Singh Sabha Hounslow 2 (att 70)

As tournament hosts it made sense for Derby Singh Brothers to play their opening tie on 'pitch one', which is adjacent to the Racecourse Hub buildings and the only one of the artificial pitches to have spectator access around all four sides.

Singh Sabha Hounslow - wearing the same kit as Middlesex County League side Indian Gymkhana - took an early lead, albeit against the run of play. They couldn't  hold it for long though, and were 2-1 down by half time.

After the break Singh Brothers became dominant, extending their lead to 4-1. Hounslow briefly had hope when they pulled a goal back, but it was just a blip for the hosts as two more goals gave them an easy win.

1.35pm

Division One, Quarter Final

Punjab United Derby 3 Singh Sabha Barking 0 (att 30)

Both these sides had been given byes in the opening round, so their tie on 'pitch four' was their debut in the competition. Punjab were ahead early, and never looked in much danger of surrendering the advantage. They scored a second before half time, then after the break a third, from the penalty spot, completed a routine win and a place in Sunday's semi-finals.

I could have stayed for a 3.15pm kick off on 'pitch two' to complete the full set of 3G pitches at the Racecourse Hub. But I decided instead that three games was enough, and to save that for another day, perhaps at a future Khalsa tournament.