31/01/09 - ESFA Finch League

Barking & Dagenham 3                              (McDermott, O.G., Allionis)

Newham 2

BARKING & DAGENHAM PRIMARY Schools ended their poor run of form on Saturday with an impressive victory over a strong Newham side.

With four consecutive defeats, Barking & Dagenham knew a win was badly needed and started the game positively. The midfield pairing of Luke Gelston and Louis Phillips were winning the battle in the middle of the park and Phillips went close early on but his shot was well saved by the Newham keeper.

With Daniel Boyce and Jack McDermott combining well up front, Boyce with his intelligent use of the ball and McDermott with his tireless running, it was Barking & Dagenham who bossed the early stages.

Expert Control

It was no surprise when the opening goal came. Siju Odesuli was released down the right and his cross was expertly controlled by McDermott on his chest. The Beam striker fired home to give the home side a well deserved lead.

The lead was soon doubled as Barking & Dagenham continued to dictate the game. Gelston and Boyce linked up well and Brendan Ocran's centre caused panic in the Newham area, causing the Newham centre half to put through his own net.

The home side were in totally control of the game and, with the centre half pairing of Alex Monk and Reno Turner dealing with Newham's limited forays forward, it was all Barking & Dagenham.

The lead was then extended further when Turner's well flighted corner was dispatched at the near post by Ernestas Allionis. It was the Marsh Green midfielder's first goal for the District and just rewards for the home side's positive performance.

Newham then enjoyed a short period of pressure as their strong midfield started to get a foot hold in the game. However' for all their possession, Newham failed to threaten the home goal as the Barking & Dagenham back four repelled any danger.

Impressive Cover

Full backs Ross Durban and Samuel Franklin were particulary impressive, providing cover whenever Newham looked like getting behind the home defence.

With a strong wind behind them, Newham were quickly out of the blocks in the second half as they looked for a way back into the game. Barking & Dagenham however continued to knock the ball around with a growing confidence and looked dangerous when they went forward.

Boyce and McDermott were causing the Newham back four endless problems; Boyce's use of the ball and hold up paly was particularly impressive.

Eventually, Newham began to exert pressure on the home goal. And when tackles were missed, a free Newham midfielder gave Connor Gray no chance with a rocket of a shot.

Tails Up

Newham's tails were now up and they further reduced the deficit when the ball was sent into the box and the unmarked Newham striker slotted the ball home.

Barking & Dagenham responded instantly and were very unfortunate not to grab a fourth. First, the Newham keeper produced a fantastic save to keep out a stinging drive from McDermott. Boyce then smashed the rebound on the volley, only to see the ball bounce off the crossbar. The loose ball was then well struck by Jonatas Centeno but his shot hit the Newham full-back and away drifted to safety.

This passage of play seemed to take the sting out of Newham and they failed to create another chance as Barking & Dagenham saw out the game to record a vital victory - one which re-ignites their Essex League hopes.

 

 

 

 

First District Goal