George Carey C of E Primary 3-0 Thames View Junior
THE EIGHTEENTH BARKING & Dagenham Post Cup final saw George Carey Church of England Primary School lift the borough title for the first time in the Barking Riverside derby against Thames View Junior School. Goals from Michael Balogun, Jesse Matthews and Nojus Remeskevicius saw them comfortably home as they added their neighbours to their impressive list of scalps including Parsloes, Warren, Beam, Rush Green and Manor.
Having racked up double figures in three of those encounters, George Carey began full of confidence – looking to force their opponents onto the back-foot. However, Thames View came with a game plan to resist and repel, spearheaded by the resolute form of Roman Peregudov who marshalled his side’s backline to deal with any George Carey threat throughout the opening stages.
And in Leonard Ofori-Arthur and skipper Matijus Mikalickas, the Bastable Avenue side carried a goal-threat of their own in an even and nervy start to the game.
Advantage
Midway through the first half though, the breakthrough came. Set-piece specialist Jesse Matthews whipped in a vicious inswinging corner with his left foot which led to indecision in the Thames View penalty area – except for striker Balogun who swept a low volley into the goal to give George Carey the advantage.
The lead was doubled ten minutes later when another dangerous corner, this time from Remeskevicius on the opposite flank, was finished at the near post from captain Matthews.
And when Balogun saw his brave header drift agonisingly wide seconds later, George Carey could have believed that the game was there for the taking.
However, the same spirit that drove Thames View forward in the opening exchanges saw them resurgent as the interval approached. A series of sorties into enemy territory forced a late first half corner which the impressive Bobby Lammin saw cannon back of the post directly from his whipped delivery.
Astonishing
An even second half followed in which several individuals shone for Thames View. First, Dominykas Mikalickas in goal showed amazing agility to produce an astonishing double save to deny George Carey a third and Ledion Mujaj and Lorenc Allaj added steely determination either side of Peregudov in the backline.
But it was Lammin who really caught the eye, at the heart of all the Thames View set-pieces and organising his team with positivity and endeavour.
Despite their efforts, Tristan Filbert in the George Carey goal was never truly threatened and George Carey thrust forward consistently in attempts to put the tie beyond doubt.
Composed
With time running out, the win was sealed in emphatic fashion when the ever-dangerous Balogun burst into space down the right flank. The striker stayed composed, picking out Remeskevicius unmarked on the penalty spot who hit a first-time finish to make sure the Minter Road outfit took the title.
George Carey: Tristan Filbert, Hissam Ali, Jesse Matthews, Harris Onyenwe, Timi Ibinola, Nojus Remeskevicius, Micah White, Michael Balogun, Richmond Odebiyi, Fleduard Veliu, Oluwole Okikiolu
Thames View: Dylan Chipato, Abdulaziz Malin, Ledion Mujaj, Charles Adenuga, Salih Kisha, Roman Peregudov, Joshua Henry, Lorenc Allaj, Melvin Hanson, Leonard Ofori- Arthur, Luhander Maluxila, Bobby Lammin, Matijus Mikalickas, Dominykas Mikalickas