Lester Finch Trophy - 25/4/10
Barking & Dagenham 3 (Welch, Turner, Watters)
Brent 2
BARKING & DAGENHAM PRIMARY schools' side produced a stirring second half comeback to maintain their 100& record in the Lester Finch Trophy. Max Watters' last gasp strike capped a remarkable victory after they had found themselves 2-0 down with just eight minutes remaining against a strong Brent side.
It was Brent who started the better, their strength and long ball tactics putting Barking & Dagenham on the back foot.
Centre backs Jack Richardson and Daniel Parish were particulary busy, with the pacy Ricky Downes a constant threat. The hard pitch was also making it difficult to judge the bounce of the ball and Brent seized upon a mistake to take an early lead. Downes caused the mistake and held off two challenges, firing into an empty net to give his side a deserved advantage.
Barking & Dagenham were hanging on, unable to get into their rhythm and had to soak up heavy Brent pressure.
The home side then found themselves two down after Downes again muscled his way into the box and gave Alfie Reynolds no chance with a neat finish.
Brent sensed the game was there for the taking and only strong tackles from Daniel John, Richardson and Parish denied them extending their lead.
Audacious
The appearance, however, of late arrival, Max Watters changed the face of the game. With his first touch, he had an audacious shot from fully forty yards, which the Brent keeper did well to tip over.
After the break Barking & Dagenham looked a better side and set about getting back into the game. Turner tested the Brent keeper from distance and Jesse Amoh saw his goalbound effort deflected wide.
Brent changed their formation to try and combat the Barking & Dagenham pressure but were unable to control the game like the first period. Watters was a constant threat and he set MJ Folkes free but he was denied by a last ditch tackle.
A piece of quick thinking then gave the home side a lifeline. Watters took a quick corner to Turner, whose wicked cross was glanced in by Welch at the front post.
Level
With time running out Barking & Dagenham, were awarded a free kick on the edge of the Brent box. Up stepped Turner to smash the ball in and get his side back on level terms.
Many sides would have settled for a point but Barking & Dagenham continued to pile on the pressure and, with injury time almost up, they sealed a remarkable comeback. Watters was released by Nathan Casey and although it seemed the ball was getting away from him, the Rush Green man shot from the touchline, the ball flying over the Brent keeper and over the line.
The goal saw players and supporters go wild with delight and the final whistle, moments later brought joyous scenes as the side produced yet another amazing end to a game. Defeat was harsh on Brent but the Barking & Dagenham team keep alive their hope of silverware.
