6/3/10 - Essex Finch League
Harlow & West Essex 2
Barking & Dagenham 2 (Morris, Folkes)
BARKING & DAGENHAM U11s saw a two goal lead disappear to put a massive dent in their Essex League ambitions.
The District side came into the game short of match practice, the weather having played havoc with their fixture list. However, the enforced lay off didn't show as they immediately took the game to their opponents.
Barking & Dagenham looked assured on the ball, stroking it around with confidence. Ricky Morris was particulary impressive in the centre of the park, his powerful and direct running causing problems to the home side's defence. With just three minutes on the clock, Morris jinked his way into the area before smashing the ball into the net, giving the home keeper no chance and his side the best possible start.
Domination
The goal gave Barking & Dagenham a real lift and they continued to dominate proceedings, with Morris and Max Watters instrumental in almost everything.
MJ Folkes then tested the home keeper with a stinging effort.
Scott Mitchell, in an unfamilar position out on the right, was eager to get past his marker whenever possible and on three occassions he delivered wicked crosses, which Harlow managed to bundled clear.
It was all one way traffic and it was no surprise when Barking & Dagenham doubled their lead. Daniel John set up the chance, his intelligent cross seized upon by Folkes, who made no mistake from twelve yards for his seventh goal of the season.
Harlow offered very little going forward, but this was in part to them being unable to get any real possession. They also found Daniel Parish and Jack Richardson in imperious form at the heart of District defence.
Jack Kemsley was a virtual spectator in the visitors goal, although he was called upon twice as the half drew to a close.
Barking & Dagenham finished the half going forward but they were unable to add to their lead.
Pressure
Harlow came out for the second period a different side and they soon put pressure on the Barking & Dagenham goal. Their pressure finally paid divends when their wide man made space for himself and his cross-cum-shot sailed over Reynolds to give his side hope.
The goal stung Barking & Dagenham into action and Thomas and Folkes combined well down the left but the ball to the onrushing Jesse Amoh was just a little strong and the chance passed.
Max Watters and Jayke Sinclaur then almost fashioned a chance but the Harlow defence was able to clear the danger.
Harlow continued to pile on the pressure and the Barking & Dagenham defence were working hard to maintain their slender lead. But, with time running out, Harlow managed to get behind the Barking & Dagenham back four and their striker could hardly miss from three yards out to get his side back on level terms.
The final whistle saw both sides having to settle for a point; one that was seen as earned by the home side and two dropped by Barking & Dagenham.
So a real game of two halves and a result that leaves the Barking & Dagenham's title hopes hanging by a very thin thread.
