31/10/09 Essex SFA Finch League
Barking & Dagenham 3 (Folkes, Casey, Thomas)
Waltham Forest 0
IT'S FOUR WINS on the spin now for Barking & Dagenham U11s as they began their Essex Finch League campaign with maximum points. Second half goals from Michael Folkes, Nathan Casey and Sorba Thomas capped a solid display against well-organised Waltham Forest, whose resiliance kept them in contention for much of the game.
With their usual 4-5-1 formation, Barking & Dagenham's defence were at their impermeable best, allowing freedom for the midfield players to support lone striker Sorba Thomas.
In such fashion, the home side signalled their intentions early on when Thomas' knockdown was volleyed wide by Max Watters.
And so it continued for the opening quarter of an hour, with Barking & Dagenham camped in the visitors' half. However, despite further long range efforts from Watters and winger Frankie Naidoo, Barking & Dagenham lacked bite in the final third and were met with stiff resistance whenever they approached the Waltham Forest goal.
Devilish
They were almost made to pay for their lack of penetration in the twentieth minute when a Waltham Forest counter attack saw them progress deep into Barking & Dagenham territory. Last ditch tackles from Jack Richardson and Scott Mitchell saved the side on that occassion, whilst the crossbar came to their rescue just before the interval as a devilish curling free-kick thundered back off the woodwork before being cleared.
A half-time switch to 4-4-2 saw Thomas gain valuable assistance, but also allowed Waltham Forest to continue their attacking momentum.
Straight from the restart, the strong outstretched hand of returning keeper Jack Kemsley denied the visitors after possession was needlessly squandered on the edge of the area.
Composure
Slowly but surely, however, the increase in numbers upfront began to pay off. First, Jayke Welch's scuffed shot almost sneaked into the bottom left-hand corner.
Then, three minutes later, the home side were ahead. Michael Folkes cleared from deep within his own half to free Thomas behind a square Waltham Forest back four. The St Margaret's hitman surged with pace into the penalty area, drawing the visiting keeper wide. Despite being fouled, Thomas kept his balance and composure to centre to the onrushing Folkes, whose fifty yard supporting run was rewarded with his first District goal.
For the next ten minutes, there was only one team in the contest.
Full-back Nathan Casey could have doubled the lead but his twenty yard shot landed on the roof of the net.
Then Watters swept past three desperate challenges before unleashing a fierce drive that was parried by the opposing gloveman. The loose ball fell to Folkes but his first-time volley soared over the crossbar from six yards out.
Influential
Kemsley, this time in an outfield role, had a golden opportunity to open his District account when the increasingly influential Folkes played him through. The Rush Green player's shot was comfortably held though and it seemed that, for all their earnest endeavour, Barking & Dagenham would be unable to add to their tally.
That all changed with three minutes left on the clock.
Waltham Forest should have restored parity but Alfie Reynolds produced a stunning double-save from point-blank range. With the loose ball cleared to the left, Casey eventually found himself in space with the opportunity to centre from the byline. His centre sailed skyward... into the danger area... over everyone... and into the adjacent corner of the goal.
Home & Dry
With the lead at 2-0, Barking & Dagenham were now home and dry although no-one seemed to have told Waltham Forest.
Again and again, the closing stages saw the visitors attempt to claw their way back into the game, with Reynolds once more saving well, this time from a dangerous long-range free-kick.
From one such attack, with seconds remaining, Barking & Dagenham broke away to add a third. Daniel Parrish's clearance fell to Thomas, who again resisted to temptation to go down for a certain penalty, to sprint clear of his marker with only one intention. The outcome was never in doubt as his well-taken finish ensured he maintained his proud goal-a-game record.
The District side now have a week off as the borough's individual schools will contest the Evans-Moore Cup next Saturday. But when they meet in a fortnight's time to play Sutton in the Crisp Shield, they will be hoping to have the game in the bag much earlier than Waltham Forest allowed them this time round.
