Lester Finch Trophy - 3/7/10
Barking & Dagenham 1 (Thomas)
Islington 0
BARKING & DAGENHAM U11s kept alive their hopes of some silverware this season with a narrow victory over Islington on Saturday. Sorba Thomas' 20th goal of the season was enough to secure the win but Barking & Dagenham were endebted to two top class saves from Jack Kemsley in the first half.
Both sides showed no signs of their enforced break with the opening stages of the game played at a high tempo. Michael Turner and Ricky Morris quickly gained the upper hand in the centre of the park and Turner looked to have given his side a dream start but Islington keeper, Drew Gray-McIntyre, superbly tipped his effort around the post.
From the resulting Max Watters' corner, the District side almost scored but the ball somehow evaded everyone.
Watters was causing havoc with his excellent set play deliveries and on two occasions, Barking & Dagenham wasted good opportunities to take the lead. Firstly, Scott Mitchell showed a great touch to bring the ball down but his volley was too high. Moments later, Daniel John failed to connect properly from eight yards and the chance went begging.
Safety
Islington showed their danger on the break when the pacy Reshawn Newland broke free but his cross was bundled away to safety by Jack Richardson.
Barking & Dagenham continued to probe away, with Watters, MJ Folkes and Daniel Cheema all looking dangerous with the ball at their feet. However, Islington showed why they haven't conceded many goals this season, with centre back Neville Campbell particularly impressive.
Watters again caused problems with another vicious corner but Islington almost took the lead on the counter attack. Newland broke free and his pinpoint cross was superbly met by the onrushing Bobby Vlietinck. It looked a certain goal but Kemsley produced an outstanding save to push the ball past the post.
The game continued to ebb and flow, with both sides giving their all despite the scorching conditions. Kemsley then produced another outstanding save to keep the score line level. Newland was again involved, his through ball releasing Nathan Belton but Kemsley was equal to his effort and pushed his stinging shot wide of the target.
Impressive
Barking & Dagenham began the second half quickly and Watters tested Gray-McIntyre with a snap shot from 25 yards.
Islington had now pushed Newland into a more central role but the impressive partnership of Daniel Parrish and Richardson were quick to snuff out any danger.
Nathan Casey then stormed forward from full back but his cross was well defended and Watters skipped past the Islington defence, only to see his cross flash across the goalmouth.
With the home side on top they knew they had to score and they did so with a moment of brilliance. Turner intelligently spread the ball to Folkes, who left his marker for dead with his electric pace. Folkes advanced into the area and picked out Thomas, who showed great technique to volley the ball past the despairing dive of Gray-McIntyre to give his side the lead. It was an exquisite goal, worthy of winning any game.
Barking and Dagenham sensed they could kill the match off as Turner saw his goal bound effort deflected to safety, while Jesse Amoh almost grabbed his first District goal but his effort from the edge of the area flew inches wide.
Amoh was enjoying his best ever game in a District shirt, remaining calm and breaking up numerous Islington attacks.
Watters then went for glory with a volley from thrity yards and Thomas fired over after another Amoh pass had set him free from his marker.
Enough
As time ticked down, Islington were unable to exert any real pressure but it was Barking & Dagenham who looked the more likely to add to their tally.
However one goal was enough and the remaining minutes were played out with no real threat to the Barking & Dagenham goal.
The final whistle brought scenes of joy as the boys' season continues and the dream of silverware remains alive. They face up to South London in the final on Saturday as they hope to cap what has been a brilliant season for all involved.
