LSFA Crisp Shield - 8/5/10

Sutton 2

Barking & Dagenham 0                                        

BARKING & DAGENHAM U11s FAILED to make it to their third consecutive Crisp Shield Final after crashing out 2-0 to Sutton.

Despite the lengthy coach journey, the District side started brightly, putting their opponents on the back foot. Michael Turner released debutant Daniel Cheema with a clever ball but Boscombe produced a good tackle. Max Watters then caused panic in the Sutton box with a series of dangerous corners.

On four separate occassions Barking & Dagenham were unable to get a finishing touch to Watters' excellent corners. Skipper Jack Richardson headed over from close range, Scott Mitchell fired high and MJ Folkes saw his goalbound effort bravely blocked as Sutton struggeld to cope with the dangerous set pieces.

Barking & Dagenham continued to attack as Cheema almost set up Turner, but Healy was quick to block his cutback.

Menace

Sutton began to pass the ball around and the dangerous O'Leary-Blade was a consant menace for the District back four. Sutton's neat passing allowed them to get back into the game, although it took a slice of luck to break the deadlock. Sorba Thomas was deemed to have fouled Vezzu and the Sutton man stepped up to hit a shot from fully 35 yards. The effort looked to be sailing over but to the Barking & Dagenham
side's horror, it dipped just under the bar to give Surton the lead.

The goal shocked Barking, who up until that point had looked the more likely to score. They almost bounced back immediately but Steele superbly blocked a Watters' strike. Watters' continued to lead Barking & Dagenham' attacks but they were finding it hard to break down a well drilled Sutton back four.

Incisive

If Sutton's first goal was lucky, their second was anything but. A incisive passing movement down their right split open the Barking & Dagenham rearguard and O'Leary-Blade's pinpoint cross was headed home by the unmarked Hicks at the back post.

Despite their two goal lead Sutton knew they were still in a game and were working hard all over the park, denying Barking & Dagenham room.

The second half saw Barking & Dagenham eager to get back into the game and, with Cheema looking impressive, they still believed the tie wasn't over. The visitors dominated from the whistle and Sutton were dropping deeper and deeper, seemingly happy to hang on to their lead.

Charmed Life

Ricky Morris released Folkes early in the piece but his cross was bundled behind for a corner. Watters' set pieces were still causing problems for the home side but, as in the first half, the Sutton goal was living a charmed life.

Folkes then sent in a wicked cross but Jayke Welch saw his brave header fly wide.

Cheema contined to impress and, from his clever cut back, Turner fired over. Turner then looked to have given his side a lifeline but Feeley in the Sutton goal produced an outstanding save to maintain his the lead.

Barking and Dagenham threw bodies forward as the clock ticked away but they were unable to score and when Feeley held Watters' sweetly struck free kick, Barking & Dagenham knew their cup dreams were over.

Despite the setback, the District side still have plenty to play for this season and can be proud of their efforts against a very good Sutton team.

 

 

 

Plenty To Play For