Lester Finch Trophy - 29/4/10
Thurrock 0
Barking & Dagenham 1 (Morris)
BARKING & DAGENHAM U11s MADE it four wins from four to book their places in the semi-finals of the Lester Finch Trophy. A well taken Ricky Morris strike was enough to settle a scrappy game.
Both sides knew a win would ensure a last four tie against Islington and it was Barking & Dagenham who started the brighter. Max Watters was at his best in the middle of the park and his clever ball set MJ Folkes away for an early chance, one which Harry Lockyear was equal to in the Thurrock goal.
With Watters and Micheal Turner dominating the centre
of the park, it was the away side who took the lead. Watters pierced
the Thurrock defence with a pin point pass and Morris finished with
aplomb.
Moments later, Turner could have doubled the lead but he shot wide when well placed.
Thurrock were hanging on, limited to long balls forward but they found Daniel Parish and Jack Richardson equal to everything they threw at them.
Likely
Barking & Dagenham continued to press for a second and with Jayke Welch impressive on the left wing, it was Barking and Dagenham who looked the more likely to score.
Morris then fired wide after more good work by Watters and the returning Sorba Thomas nearly set up strike partner Folkes, but Alfie Walters was on hand to smother the chance.
Thurrock
ended the half pushing forward but keeper Jack Kemsley was largely
untroubled.
Marshalled
The second half was a scrappy affair with neither side able to find their rhythmn. Thurrock started to enjoy possession but, with the dangerous Bayley Newell being well marshalled by the ever dependable Daniel John, they were unable to threaten the Barking & Dagenham goal.
Folkes was still a danger to Thurrock with his pace and he nearly fashioned a chance for himself before being crowded out by four Thurrock defenders.
Thurrock knew they needed to score and went with three up front and this almost paid immediate dividends but Tyrique Hyde put his shot wide with the goal seemingly at his mercy.
Scott Mitchell, who was outstanding at left back, then went on a maurading run which nearly opened the Thurrock defence but Jessse Amoh was unable to get on the end of his pass.
With time running out, Barking & Dagenham began to sit back and although Thurrock enjoyed possession they were unable to breach the impressive Barking and Dagenham back four.
