It is turning out to be quite a season for Rochdale Asia.

They had a 100 per cent record in the league going into the final three games and picked-up the first silverware in the Rochdale Online Alliance Football League thanks to a stunning hat-trick by Omar Malik.

They ran out 3-2 winners over Balderstone in Good Friday’s Alletson & Mitchell Memorial Trophy Final at Fox Park.

Rochdale Asia board members Saj Haji, Aky and Riaz commended management duo Sheraz Hussein and Mickey (Ahsan) Saeed) for their efforts.

The management duo of Sheraz and Mickey said: “The team has had a fearless and never say die attitude.

“We have played some wonderful free-flowing football and scoring some amazing goals.

“The team hasn’t lost a game and it is all down to the players. No matter who plays they all love playing for each other.

“It’s like one big happy family. We win together.

“Nothing is achievable without Allah.”

In the final itself both sides were seeing plenty of the ball early on but Asia were gradually pushing Balderstone back, and the opening goal came as Asia’s leading scorer Omar Malik rifled home a low shot from close range.

This was quickly followed by more Asia pressure as Qadir Mahmood had his shot turned away by goalkeeper Josh Chaplin and Zaheer curled his attempt narrowly over just moments later.

Malik has been outstanding for Rochdale this season and he showed his worth again when he curled a magnificent twenty yard free kick past a helpless Chaplin (you can watch it on YouTube!).

Omar Rashid and Osama Alwarfarli had chances to increase Asia’s lead. Nokes pulled one back for Balderstone as half time approached but Malik hit another to get his hat-trick and put the game virtually out of reach.

Malik then latched on to a weak back pass and went round Chaplin but, with the goal gaping, went to ground. Neither the referee nor his assistant on the near side saw contact that warranted a penalty kick and allowed to play to continue.

Brad Kelly got one back with ten minutes to go following a scramble in the Asia box but it was too little too late.

Rochdale Asia captain Aiden Shah received the trophy, and Josh Chaplin his man of the match award.