Inter-Schools |

St Margaret's produced a superb team performance to secure the Post sponsored Barking & Dagenham Trophy. 

With both sides eager to earn some silverware, and the title of top Borough football team, the early stages of the game were cagey. St Margaret's were eager to bounce back from their Barking Trophy Final heartbreak the previous week, whilst Warren were in their first final for six years. 

Warren had the first half chance when their centre half played a raking through ball over the top of the St Margaret's back four, but the St Margaret's keeper was alert to snuff out the danger.

St Margaret's looked the more dangerous going forward, with their pacy wingers looking to get behind the Warren defence. Warren then had another half chance when a corner was almost turned home. However, St Margaret's showed the threat of their pace on the break as they quickly turned defence into attack but were unable to finish the chance.

Control

As the half wore on, St Margaret's began to influence the game, lead by the impressive Darren Foxley. The midfielder, on the books of West Ham United, started to control the middle of the park and almost grabbed the first goal of the game but after a mazy run, drifting past three defenders, his shot was just the wrong side of the post.

Almost immediately, St Margaret's tested the Warren keeper with a snap shot but he was equal to the effort.

However, they didn't have to wait long to open the scoring. Some hesitant defending allowed Lewis Owiredu time and space and, even though his initial shot was blocked, he made no mistake the second time around. The goal was well deserved and just reward for St Margaret's constant pressure.

However, Warren battled on bravely and nearly got on level terms after a dangerous corner caused panic in the St Margaret's area. They also had another chance when an in swinging free kick sailed across the goal. As the half drew to an end, Warren were having a spell of pressure of their own and looked like getting on level terms but a fantastic last ditch tackle denied their striker to keep it 1-0 at the break.

Scrambling 

St Margaret's started the second period on the front foot and Foxley was again at the heart of all their attacks. He quickly had the Warren keeper scrambling across his goal and then went even closer with a well struck 35 yard free kick.

Meanwhile, Warren were defending bravely and began to look dangerous on the break, with Adian Agyaman their danger man. His pace and direct running gave a hint that Warren were going to get back into the game but St Margaret's remained resolute at the back.

St Margaret's were still dangerous however and they didn't have to wait long to double their lead. From a quick throw-in, Foxley cut in from the flank and tested the Warren keeper who did well to push the ball behind for a corner. The subsequent set-piece was half cleared to Stefan Wilson-Quagraine, who unleashed an unstoppable shot to put his side in the driving seat.

Stuffing

The goal seemed to knock the stuffing out of Warren, who were missing a number of regulars due to illness sweeping through their school.

St Margaret's then made sure of the trophy after a fantastic run from Dwayne Abakawood. He ghosted past four defenders to slot home and give his side a third goal.

St Margaret's could have added to their tally but the Warren keeper produced two outstanding saves.

The final whistle brought scenes of delight as St Margaret's secured their first ever BDSFA trophy. The final also brought down the curtain on another successful season of schools' football in the borough. One that has seen the seven school competitions won by seven different schools.

Fantastic

Teacher Alan Harris (St Margaret's), spoke of the victory: "I am thrilled for the boys. They are a fantastic bunch of lads and they showed great character to bounce back from the heartbreak of losing last week. I want to congratulate Warren who were equally fantastic but I am so proud of the players, I feel like we deserved this for a season of hard work."
 
Adam Munn from Warren was equally as proud despite the defeat: "I am so proud of the team. Even though we were missing a number of players due to illness that is sweeping through our school, the team were superb and will learn from this experience. They are the first Warren side to reach a final for six years and I am very proud of their efforts. Credit must go to St Margaret's who played very well."