Barking & Dagenham Tournament - 10/5/10
BARKING & DAGENHAM GIRLS' District side continued their impressive record with a brace of encouraging results as they hosted Woking and Sutton at May & Baker's. The three teams proved to be evenly matched but it was the home side who walked away with the best overall result with a win and a draw from their two games.
They began against Sutton in confident style, creating several good opportunities to open their account without ever really breaking sweat.
And the lead came midway through the first half when keeper Amber Young showed perceptive awareness, bowling the ball out from defence to the unmarked Tayla Jackson on the right wing. The Marks Gate midfielder then skipped down the flank before centring into the penalty area. The low cross looked like it would be snaffled comfortably by the home keeper but striker Briony Hagger did what all forwards should do, exerting pressure and getting a vital touch. This forced a fumble and the loose ball was smashed home by Hagger at the second attempt.
On The Ropes
With their opponents on the ropes, Barking & Dagenham had the ideal chance to step up their performance and stretch their lead in the second half.
Instead though, the visitors showed great resilience and fought to get back on level terms, angered by their first half display. Young had to be sharp in dealing with several openings for Sutton whilst defenders Hollie Ross and Louise Dove held firm to ensure the win was secured.
Next up were Woking, looking to get revenge for the two heavy defeats inflicted upon them by Barking & Dagenham last season. Again, the hosts were not at their best but nonetheless took the lead when Jackson’s shot proved too hot to handle for the Woking keeper as it was spilled into the bottom corner for the lead.
However, Barking & Dagenham were punished when slow closing down left space for the visitors to force an equaliser shortly afterwards.
Realising their eighteen match unbeaten run might be in danger, the home side snapped out of their lethargy to produce an exhilarating second half performance full of running and the precise, passing football that the team are capable of.
Opportunities
Jackson and Hagger had further opportunities to add to their tallies and long range efforts from Kaydee King, Klesha Darroux and Olivia Smith all troubled the Woking goal.
The pressure was building and building with the ball constantly in or around the Woking goal. Shots were blocked, charged down or drifted narrowly wide as their opponents clung on desperately to preserve the score line. But try as they might, the winner evaded Barking & Dagenham although the improved performance, along with the hard earned point, was consolation enough.
In the final game, Sutton beat Woking 1-0 to ensure Barking & Dagenham topped the group and capped off a satisfactory morning’s work.
Next up for the girls is a ten-team tournament at Sutton on 12th June.
