5/12/09 - Friendly
Barking & Dagenham 4 (Folkes, Kemsley, Thomas 2)
Bexley 3
BARKING & DAGENHAM U11's PRODUCED a stirring second half comeback to record a thrilling victory against Bexley in their friendly on Saturday. The home side found themselves 3-1 down at half time but three second half efforts secured the win as they continued their good form.
Barking & Dagenham went into the game buoyed by their excellent Crisp Shield win last week but the visitors shocked them with an early goal. With just two minutes on the clock, some hesitant defending allowed Teddy Scanlan in and the Bexley man fired home, via the underside of the crossbar, giving Alfie Reynolds no chance.
However, their joy was short-lived as Barking & Dagenham replied immediately. Sorba Thomas won a brave header from the restart and showed great strength to hold off his marker. The St. Margaret's man then threaded the ball through for MJ Folkes, whose first touch took him away from the Bexley defence before coolly slotting home.
Lively
It was a lively start to an outstanding encounter as the home side continued to make all the running.
Frankie Naidoo, returning from injury, found space out wide and his mazy run and cross almost created a chance for Thomas.
Bexley were trying to pass the ball around but the midfield pairing of Michael Turner and Ricky Morris weren't allowing them any time on the ball. Jesse Amoh, in an unfamiliar full back role, then released Naidoo with a pinpoint pass but the Bexley defence recovered just in time.
Turner then saw two fierce efforts blocked by some brave defending whilst Bexley remained dangerous on the break. Scott Mitchell had to produce a superb last ditch tackle when Scanlan looked destined to score.
Threat
That was a reminder of the threat Bexley provided and moments later they took the lead. The lively Scott Richards got in behind the home rearguard and his centre found Scanlan, who made no mistake from twelve yards.
Barking & Dagenham almost got back on level terms immediately but Folkes' touch was too heavy and Fraser Barrett was able to collect.
The home side continued to probe and Jack Kemsley nearly grabbed his first District goal, but the keeper-turned-striker was superbly denied by a brave block. From the resulting corner, Richardson almost headed his side level but his effort was well held but Barrett. They went closer still from another corner, moments later but Mitchell was unable to get enough on the ball.
Bexley were on the back foot but, with the half almost up, they produced a sucker punch. Max Watters' corner was cleared by the Bexley defence and Alfie Meeds broke before feeding Scanlan, whose sublime finish gave Reynolds no chance.
The second half began with the home side knowing they had to score early. Turner nearly released Thomas but his ball was cut out. Aaron Molloy then spun past his marker but his cross was cleared from a corner. Watters was beginning to get on the ball more and with Morris' energy it was all one way traffic.
The goal soon arrived and it was a well worked team effort. Amoh, Morris and Turner all played their part but it was Watters' exquisite through ball, which was finished with aplomb by Kemsley. It was a excellent goal and opened the Rush Green man's account.
That seemed to lift the home side and the Bexley goal was under immense pressure. It was no real surprise when they got back on level terms. Watters and Amoh were again behind the goal and they combined to set up Thomas, who remained calm to fire home his seventh goal of the season.
Bexley continued to play the ball around but were unable to get any foothold in the game. Barking & Dagenham were now in full flow and Kemsley nearly finished off a four man move but his side foot finish was well saved.
It seemed there was only going to be one winner as the home side continued to create chances. Thomas fired straight at Barrett when well placed and Folkes saw his firm strike just fly wide of the upright.
Bexley then decided attack was the best form of defence and a change in formation saw them enjoy some possession in the Barking & Dagenham half.
Downfall
However, this was their downfall as the home side took the lead with a counter attack goal. There seemed to be no danger when Thomas picked the ball up on the half way line but the District's leading scorer skipped past his marker and stormed towards the Bexley goal. There was still work to be done but Thomas kept a cool head before arrowing the ball into the bottom corner. It was a typically skilful solo effort, worthy of winning any game.
Despite Bexley pushing bodies forward in the time that remained, Reynolds wasn't troubled in the home goal and they comfortably held on for a well deserved victory.
Next up for the District side is a tough looking trip to local rivals Havering for a Essex League encounter. Havering currently sit top of the league with two convincing wins but Barking & Dagenham will make the short journey full of confidence.
