Essex Finch League - 6/2/10
Redbridge 1
Barking & Dagenham 1 (Thomas)
BARKING & DAGENHAM HAD TO settle for a point after an enthralling game against Redbridge on Saturday. The match was played at a great tempo, with the end to end action throughout.
Redbridge started well, their neat passing game saw them dominate early possession and the Barking & Dagenham back four had to be at their best. Jack Richardson and Daniel Parish were outstanding in particular as home side proved unable to test out the Barking & Dagenham keeper.
Impressive
Nathan Casey was also impressive, both in defence as well as going forward. It was his ball that released Sorba Thomas for the game's first chance. Thomas showed electric pace to speed away from his marker but his effort was well held by the home keeper.
MJ Folkes then forced a well struck shot after Ricky Morris had shown great strength to win the ball in the centre of the park. Morris and Michael Turner were at the top of their game as Barking & Dagenham continued to get on top.
Redbridge, however, stuck to their passing game and still looked dangerous going forward. Keeper, Jack Kemsley, had to be quick off his line as Redbridge finally got in behind. Daniel John was being kept busy by the lively Redbridge winger and had to be at his best, with a last ditch tackle as Redbridge got back into the game.
Ebb and Flow
Max Watters began to have more of an influence on the game as the half wore on and the Rush Green man stung the palms of the home keeper after a powerful run.
The game continued to ebb and flow, with the standard of football very good, despite the boggy conditions.
Then, with the half drawing to a close, the deadlock was broken. Morris and Turner combined to release Thomas, who left his marker for dead, before sublimly chipping the Redbridge keeper to give his side the lead. It was his thirteenth goal of the season and an strike of brilliance.
Barking & Dagenham started the second half well as Jayke Sinclair almost set up Thomas with a intelligent through ball. Thomas then mesmerized the home rearguard with a mazy run, but he was crowded out by the Redbridge centre backs.
Redbridge made two substitutions to try and get back into the game and it paid off when they got back on level terms. Winning the ball in their own half, they swifty broke, releasing their pacy striker, who cooly slotted past Alfie Reynolds. It was a a goal of high quality and fully deserved.
Recovery
Barking & Dagenham quickly recovered from the equaliser and the home keeper was busy again to deny Thomas and Sinclair. Turner then saw his free kick fly over the bar and Watters nearly grabbed a winner but his shot was narrowly wide.
Both sides continued to press but it wasn't to be as the final whistle brought to an end an outstanding game and an excellent advert for schools' football.
