L.S.F.A. Crisp Shield R1 - 17/10/09
Barking & Dagenham 3 (Thomas, Welch, Morris)
South London 0
AFTER FINISHING AS Crisp Shield runners-up for the past two seasons, Barking & Dagenham sent a clear message to the rest of the competition with an emphatic win over South London.
Without injured keeper Jack Kemsley, the District side kept their second successive clean sheet, remaining in control throughout.
Frantic
The game started at a frantic pace but Barking & Dagenham settled quicker and Sorba Thomas almost latched onto a searching ball from Ricky Morris in the opening stages.
Barking & Dagenham played some delightful football and South London were unable to live with them. Morris and Max Watters were first to every ball in the centre of the park and full-backs Nathan Casey and Daniel John were happy to bomb forward at every opportunity.
Jack Richardson was again immense at the heart of the defence and was ably assisted by Scott Mitchell. Such was the home side's dominance, Mitchell twice surged into the South London box, but on both occasions was thwarted by some desperate defending.
Meanwhile, Aaron Molloy almost created the opening goal but his wicked cross just avoided the onrushing Watters.
Then, Jesse Amoh, again impressive in front of the back four, was able to push forward and support attacks. His powerful run took him past three South London defenders but he failed to get a shot in as the visitors desperately hung on.
Matter Of Time
It seemed only a matter of time before the home side took the lead as South London resorted to long balls to try and relieve the pressure.
With fifteen minutes of one way traffic, it was no surprise when Barking & Dagenham took the lead, albeit with a hint of controversy. Morris and Amoh combined well and when the ball was played into the box, Thomas nipped in front of the defender to fire home his third goal of the season. However, his joy was quickly dispelled by the sight of the assistant referee's flag. Despite this, referee Duggins overruled his assistant and allowed the goal to stand.
If there was any doubts about the first goal, the second had none. Jayke Welch, who had been lively on the left hand side, swung in a corner, which was cleared back to the Ripple man. His first touch was superb, his second took him past a defender and, with his third, he let fly. The ball flew into the top corner, giving the South London keeper no chance.
Sensing more goals, the home side played the ball around with confidence and South London were glad to hear the half time whistle.
Stand-in keeper Michael Turner was a virtual spectator in the District goal but he showed a good pair of hands when South London finally broke out of their own half.
Upper Hand
The second half began with the visitors eager to get back into the game and, with just sixty seconds on the clock, they almost did. Some slack defending allowed the wide midfielder to send in a dangerous cross - it found an unmarked team mate but his shot flew over.
The near-miss shocked Barking & Dagenham and they quickly gained the upper hand once more. MJ Folkes showed good strength to win the ball and release the marauding Mitchell down the right but his cross was just out of the reach of Thomas.
Amoh and Morris continued to control the centre of the park and Richardson and Turner were quick to win the ball back whenever their opponents threatened.
As the half progressed, Mitchell grew into his role at full back, happy to surge forward whenever possible and another of his crosses caused panic in the South London box.
Also down the right, Frankie Naidoo showed his pace, going past his marker and sending in a dangerous teaser which was bundled away. From the resulting corner, a goal mouth scrambled ensued as Amoh, Naidoo and Richardson had attempts on goal.
Second stand-in keeper, Welch, remained largely untested and was quickly off his line and alert to any danger.
Tireless
Morris then capped an outstanding display with his first District strike. Mitchell and Naidoo linked up well down the right, Mitchell's cross finding Morris yards out. His first attempt somehow bounced backwards but he wasn't to be denied and make no mistakes at the second time of asking. It was a scruffy goal but well deserved for his tireless running.
Mitchell then almost increased the lead further but his bullet header, from another impressive Morris ball, just flew the wrong side of the post.
With time running out, South London had their first meaningful attempt of goal. Their midfielder let fly from twenty-five yards but the dipping effort was expertly palmed away by Welch and Barking & Dagenham ended the game on the front foot.
The victory was fully deserved and the performance was another sign that the side are gelling well. The victory puts the District side in round two, against Croydon who crushed Waltham Forest 7-1.
On the back of this performance, Barking & Dagenham will fear no-one and hopes are high they can go one better than the anguish of the last two seasons.
