Barking & Dagenham 2-0 Newham
BARKING & DAGENHAM were given a tough test in their Essex League derby against neighbours Newham, on a surprisingly sunny day at Robert Clack.
The visitors started brightly, and almost caught the out the hosts with their first real attack. Two quick passes cut through the Barking & Dagenham midfield, and the resulting one on one opportunity was tapped just wide of Freddie Cable and the BAD Boys’ goal.
In response, the hosts went on the offensive. St Vincent’s duo Owen Orhue and Samuel Eghosa Ekhosuehi played a one two, but the latter’s cross evaded everyone in the Newham penalty area.
Moments later, Newham once again nearly caught them out – just as they had in the friendly between the two sides earlier in the season. This time however, Cable was waiting and pulled off a smart save at the near post on ten minutes.
Saved
The hosts stirred, and inevitably it was captain Michael Milburn leading the way. A mazy run and quick left foot shot was brilliantly saved at the near post by the Newham stopper.
Not to be deterred, Milburn came again. This time the Barking & Dagenham skipper cut inside and curled a shot with his right that seemed destined for the top corner. The visitor’s goalkeeper again had other ideas, using every inch of his frame to tip over. A fantastic save, and the hosts were denied again.
Barking & Dagenham had now officially woken up – and began to turn the screw. Oba Adetona of Valence nearly got on the end of a Jordane Thomas cross, but was centimetres away.
Milburn again stung the keeper’s fingertips, and it looked as though the visitors would hold out until the break.
Enter Richard Alibon’s Elijah Armah, coming off the bench and looking lively from the outset. His pace and industry began to worry and irritate the Newham defence, and he got his reward on the stroke of half time. He latched onto a through ball from midfield, and cleverly toe poked it past the Newham keeper. The hosts went into the break a goal to the good, and never looked back.
Barking & Dagenham began the second half camped in Newham territory, and rarely looked in danger. The defensive line – led by Grafton’s Callum Salmon, and Judah-Blair Charles of George Carey – shut up shop and snuffed out the visiting forays into their half. With the back door firmly shut, the skipper once again began to purr.
Opportunity
Determined to add to his tally for the season, Milburn started to orchestrate. His quick feet and sharp passing fashioned another opportunity for Armah, but this time his shot was blocked.
Milburn then played in Five Elms teammate Thomas, but his shot went narrowly wide.
Next it was the turn of Adetona to just miss out on a Milburn through ball – as the hosts looked to kill off the game.
The captain however, had saved the best till last. With five minutes remaining, he went on another one of his runs – dribbling around defenders like cones – cut inside and hit a low, hard shot that evaded the dive of the visitors’ keeper for 2-0.
Another sublime effort from Milburn for his twelfth goal of the season, and all that remained was for Salmon and Blair-Charles to slam the door shut once again – and see the result home. Four straight wins, and the BAD Boys go into their second Lester Finch Group match full of confidence.
Barking & Dagenham: Freddie Cable (Grafton), Cezar Curbet (William Bellamy), Callum Salmon (Grafton), Captain – Michael Milburn (Five Elms), Kylan Okosi (Grafton), Jordane Thomas (Five Elms), Owen Orhue (St Vincent’s), Elijah Armah (Richard Alibon), Samuel Eghosa Ekhosuei (St Vincent’s), Oba Adetona (Valence), Oliver Grange (Roding Cannington), Judah Blair-Charles (George Carey), Zuheir Ali (George Carey), Finley Hossack (Godwin)