13/2/10 - Essex Finch League
Thurrock 1
Barking & Dagenham 3 (Thomas 2, Folkes)
BARKING & DAGENHAM PRIMARY Schools' District side produced an outstanding performance to defeat arch rivals, Thurrock, 3-1, maintaining their title challenge in the process. A double from Sorba Thomas and a MJ Folkes strike made sure of the points but it was an all round team performance which laid the platform for a vital victory.
Both sides went into the game knowing only a victory would be enough if they harboured title ambitions and it was the visitors who got off to the perfect start. With just forty one seconds on the clock, MJ Folkes released strike partner Thomas, who settled himself before firing the ball into the top corner, giving the Thurrock keeper no chance.
Rocked
The goal rocked Thurrock and moments later they almost found themselves two behind. Thomas returned the favour, this time setting Folkes free, who bore down on the Thurrock goal. Folkes took a touch before getting his strike away, which was superbly saved by Harry Lockyear in the Thurrock goal.
Barking & Dagenham continued to dominate and were streaming forward in numbers as it was all one way traffic. Thomas and Folkes were a real handful up front and the Thurrock back four were finding it hard to keep them in check.
Max Watters and Michael Turner were equally impressive in the centre of the park and Aaron Molloy was enjoying his best game in a District shirt.
With five minutes on the clock, Barking & Dagenham stretched their lead. Turner's free kick from the right was half cleared to Molloy. He picked out Folkes at the back post, and although Lockyear produced an excellent save, the ball had enough pace to go over the line and give them a lead that their dominance deserved.
Thurrock needed to get back in the game quickly but, whenever they did get the ball forward, they found Jack Richardson and Daniel Parish in exceptional form at the heart of the Barking & Dagenham rearguard. They were ably backed up by full backs Daniel John and Nathan Casey.
Dubious
Thurrock were then handed a way back into the game with a dubious penalty decision. Barking & Dagenham's keeper, Jack Kemsley, was judged to have fouled Billy Monk, a decision that surprised everyone, including the Thurrock players and management. Up stepped Jared Plunkett, who ignored the arguments to confidently fire home the penalty.
The goal gave Thurrock renewed life and Kemsley had to be alert when Tommy Topliss produced a sharp turn and shot. Thurrock began to enjoy some possession in the Barking & Dagenham half, but didn't ever threaten the scoreline.
As the half ended, Turner and Ricky Morris released Thomas who left his marker for dead before Lockyear denied him with a smart save.
From the resulting corner, Folkes fired over when well placed.
Thomas then had the last chance of the half but he was unable to get his effort on target after again showing lightning pace to get away from his marker.
Fired Up
Thurrock came out fired up at the start of the second period, eager to get back on level terms. Bayley Newell looked dangerous going forward but the Thurrock wide-man was well marshalled by Daniel John. Morris worked tirelessly in the centre of the park, quick in the tackle, allowing Tyrique Hyde no time or space on the ball. Folkes and Thomas were still causing problems with their intelligent running and Lockyear showed good hands when Watters tested him from distance.
Kemsley was then called upon to deny Topliss, producing a great one handed save, to push the ball around the post. Newell then fired over from six yards out as Thurrock searched for an equaliser.
The next goal was going to be increasingly important as Morris released Thomas with a pinpoint ball. The St Margaret's man then took a touch before superbly chipping the ball over the onrushing Lockyear. The goal was his fifteenth of the season and his seventh in his last three games.
Stuffing
That knocked the stuffing out of Thurrock as Watters almost grabbed a fourth after good work from Jesse Amoh. Amoh's powerful run and cutback was right in the path of Watters but he somehow failed to make any contact from six yards.
Scott Mitchell then produced a storming run into the Thurrock box but he was unable to pick out anyone with his cross.
Thomas was subbed as the clock run down to rapturous applause and the final whistle moments later brought the three vital points.The victory keeps Barking & Dagenham in the title hunt and was even more important with leaders Havering also enjoying three points with victory over Redbridge.
