3/10/09 - Friendly
Thurrock 4
Barking & Dagenham 1 (Thomas)
BARKING & DAGENHAM HAD to battle with howling winds, a difficult surface and ruthless Thurrock finishing as they were taught a harsh lesson about the demands of District football.
The latest incarnation of the U11s, made up of pupils from eleven different schools, were playing together for the first time and started the game brightly. Despite the difficult conditions, they looked to pass the ball around quickly.
Even
With Ricky Morris and Max Watters battling away, against a strong Thurrock midfield, the opening stages of the game were an even affair. Thurrock, to their credit also tried to pass the ball around but found no way past the impressive Daniel Parrish and Jack Richardson.
Sorba Thomas was a constant threat with his pace and it was the St Margaret's man who had the game's first chance. An intelligent ball from full back Daniel John was seized upon by Thomas but his shot was well held by the Thurrock keeper.
As the game progressed, Thurrock began to get on top and Tyrique Hyde, in the centre of the park, began to dictate proceedings. Thurrock looked to get in behind the Barking & Dagenham rearguard and Jayke Welch and Nathan Casey had to be at the their best to deal with the pacy Bailey out of the wing.
It was Bailey who had Thurrock's first chance but his well struck shot was well saved by Jack Kemsley in the Barking goal.
On Top
Thurrock were now well on top and it was no surprise when they took the lead, although the manner of the goal would have disappointed Barking & Dagenham. A corner found its way across the visitor's penalty area Hyde was on hand to bundle the ball home.
The goal shook Barking & Dagenham and Thurrock soon doubled their lead. A hopeful ball over the top of the Barking back four caused some hesitant defending and the lively Billy Monk nipped in to take the ball past Kemsley and roll it in to an empty net.
The second period started with Thurrock looking to add to their tally and Barking & Dagenham trying to get their way back into the game.
Again, Thomas worked the Thurrock back four with his intelligent running and Michael Turner provided some bite in midfield.
However it didn't take long for Thurrock to extend their lead. Monk went past three challenges, exchanged passes with Hyde, before smashing the ball into the top corner. If the first two goals were preventable, this one certainly wasn't.
In response, Barking & Dagenham continued to battle away and Welch skipped past three tackles but his cross was cleared by the Thurrock centre half.
The Thurrock keeper then had to be quickly off his line as Thomas nearly got on the end of a slide rule pass by the hard working Jesse Amoh.
Frustrating
Frustratingly. Thurrock then added a fourth, with a hint of good fortune about it. Tommy Topliss surged into the box, and his run was halted by a good tackle by Scott Mitchell, but the clearance rebounded off Topliss and looped over the helpless Kemsley.
The final stages saw Barking & Dagenham reassert themselves as they began to string passes together. Watters and Amoh were driving the team forward and Thurrock were struggling to get hold of the ball.
The team began to sense a goal and the hard working Thomas duly obliged. Amoh and Turner combined before the striker coolly slotted the ball home.
Optimism
Despite the score line there were signs for optimism and the management of Farquhar and Moore have high hopes for the season ahead. Next up for the side is a home fixture against Woolwich.
