Defeat In Final For District Side

UNLUCKY BARKING & DAGENHAM U11s suffered defeat, despite Luke Gelston's second half strike, in the final of the Essex 7-a-side Inter-District tournament.

After trailing 2-0 at half-time, the Monteagle pupil's second goal in as many weeks put the District team back in the hunt and within sight of leveling the scoreline against a skillful Newham side. But, with numbers pushing forward to grab an equaliser, Barking & Dagenham were undone on the break, eventually losing 3-1.

Earlier, Barking & Dagenham were again defeated by Newham in the group stage but bounced back with a 1-0 win against Thurrock, courtesy of Jack McDermott's first District goal.

In the next game, heroics from goalkeeper Alfie Malbon ensured a clean sheet against Waltham Forest, whilst skipper Alec Monk dispatched a stunning free-kick into the back of the net for a second 1-0 victory.

That was enough to qualify for the final but Barking & Dagenham had to be content with the runners-up slot.

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