Jersey Festival of Football 2011
BARKING & DAGENHAM U11's made history after becoming the first team to successfully defend their title at the English Schools' FA Festival of Football. The week long event, which is held in Jersey, saw the cream of the nations footballers battle it out for the crown. The Barking & Dagenham team won five and drew one of their games, the only team to remain unbeaten.
Barking & Dagenham started off the week with an impressive 4-2 victory over Sutton Coldfield. The Midlanders had no answer to Barking's power and pace in the first period as they raced into a four goal lead.
Billy Field scored the opener, his first for the District whilst Alfie Spencer also opened his account for the season with a well struck spot kick. Sonny Oakley tapped home number three, before Idris Kanu grabbed a well deserved fourth to put the game to bed.
Barking & Dagenham took their foot off the pedal in the second half, making a number of changes but they still managed to create numerous goal scoring opportunities. However, they were unable to add to their tally and Sutton Coldfield grabbed two late consolation goals to give the scoreline a somewhat lopsided look.
Rasping
Day two saw Barking & Dagenham square up to an impressive Plymouth side which contained eight players signed to professional clubs. Barking & Dagenham bossed the game from start to finish but were unable to find a way past the hardworking Devonian defence.
Kane Hearn went close on two occasions, only to be denied by a smart save and then the crossbar. Kanu nearly grabbed a late winner but his rasping drive narrowly flew over and both sides had to settle for a point.
Day three set up a mouthwatering clash against Gloucester, one of the country's premier footballing Districts. With a large crowd watching, Gloucester took an early lead after a defensive mistake.
With Barking & Dagenham failing to get into their stride, they fell further behind as Gloucester began to enjoy themselves in the Jersey sunshine. Barking & Dagenham slowly began to get a hold of the game but disaster struck when Gloucester added a thirrd with barely 15 minutes on the clock!
Lesser sides would have been beaten at this point, but when Kanu stormed down the right and crossed for Billy Stratford to fire home just before the break, the game was still alive.
After some stern words, Barking & Dagenham totally dominated the second period. Hearn scored his first goal of the week to reduce the deficit and, with Gloucester dropping deeper and deeper, Kanu fired home to bring the scores level.
Gloucester were now desperate for the final whistle but Barking & Dagenham continued to press and, with seconds left, a neat passing move was headed into the path of Sam Howlett. He chested the ball forward before sweetly volleying into the top corner to cap a remarkable comeback and spark scenes of joyous celebrations from players and staff alike.
Injuries
Day four paired Barking & Dagenham against Orpington. The Kent side came into the game unbeaten and confident of causing an upset. Additionally, Barking & Dagenham suffered a double blow when both goalkeepers suffered injuries to their hands. This meant star striker Hearn had to don the gloves.
Orpington started brightly and Hearn was called into action early on. The game was a tight affair, with both sides giving their all. Hearn produced an outstanding save to keep his side level and Ryan Knight saw his excellent effort chalked off by a dubious decision. One goal was always going to be enough though and Barking & Dagenham grabbed it through an unlikely source. Brandon Scarr, the injured keeper, latched onto a superb cross to fire home his first ever District goal and that was enough to secure the win.
Day five arrived with the side knowing that they would be in the final with a win. Stood in their way were Western Bay of Plenty, from New Zealand. The game was exciting and flowed from one end to the other with both sides going close on numerous occasions. With time running out, Scarr was again introduced as an outfield player and he pounced on a mistake by the Kiwi keeper to put his side into the final. Defeat was harsh on the Kiwis but once again showed the ability of Barking & Dagenham to dig deep when it was needed.
Champions
The final saw a repeat of Sunday's game and last year's play-off against Plymouth. Things started at a fast pace with neither side showing the affects of a week long trip.
Plymouth, renowned for their passing game, had more of the possession and thought they had taken the lead when Scarff headed the ball off the underside of the bar but the referee waved play on.
Olamide Olaiya then looked certain to score from another corner only to be denied by an outstanding save from the Plymouth keeper.
Barking & Dagenham looked stronger in the second half and began to dominate, gaining reward for their efforts when Hearn volleyed home a Kanu corner.
Plymouth had to throw bodies forward in search of an equaliser and Scarr nearly scored his third of the week on the break but the Plymouth keeper denied him.
As the minutes ticked down, Barking and Dagenham remained strong at the back and held on to be crowned champions. Few could deny them their moment of glory as they impressed everyone with their attitude, determination and some outstanding football during the week.
The side now have the chance to added the Essex Finch league to their trophy cabinet when they entertain Havering, knowing a win would secure their first title since 2002.
