Barking & Dagenham 0-0 Sutton
BARKING & DAGENHAM’S LONDON League campaign took at dent as a staunch defensive performance from visting Sutton left the normally prolific district girls frustrated. Despite enjoying the bulk of the attacking possession, the home side couldn’t find a way through and must rely on results elsewhere to go in their favour if they are to claim their maiden league title.
The pattern of play was set from the start with Barking & Dagenham striving to break down their opponents who threatened to counter attack using dogged perseverance and endeavour.
Crossbar
Home ‘keeper Kaydee Bhavani had to be alert to deal with any through balls or speculative attempts that came her way but it was her own side who carried the bigger goal threat.
First of all, Makayla Smith’s effort from distance was only half saved and captain Milie Blythe thundered the rebound against the crossbar.
A minute later, Blythe came close again before Pahris Cotterell’s fine, curling effort from the edge of the box also flashed wide.
Shortly before half-time, Cotterell chose to chance her arm once more, launching a dipping strike from twenty-five yards that had the away keeper scurrying backwards before the ball eventually drifted wide.
Panic
In the second period, the home side again began strongly. First, Nour Khalfaoui switched play wide to Blythe who had the freedom of the right flank to exploit. Winger Blythe danced through to the byline before firing a centre across goal that caused panic in the visiting rearguard. However, no-one was able to convert and Sutton survived once more.
Barking & Dagenham’s best play came through the tireless Smith who battled ferociously to create oppportunities for others.
And it was Smith herself who came closest to breaking the deadlock when Blythe’s quickly taken throw-in found the Henry Green forward twenty yards from goal. Smith hit it crisply first-time, bringing a relieved save out of the Sutton keeper.
Barking & Dagenham, knowing the importance of taking all three points, threw bodies forward, desperately trying to pinch victory at the end. And it alomst paid of when – two miuntes from time – another foray into enemy territory saw the award of an indirect free-kick just two yards out from goal.
Gabriella Gomes laid the ball off to Blythe whose fierce strike clashed against a sea of legs before an almighty melee added to the drama. Rachel Babatunde, Smith and Cotterell all saw efforts charged down as Sutton clung on for the point their defensive performance deserved.
Dramatic
It was a dramatic end to another strong performance for the girls however they now must pick up maximum points in their remaining games whilst hoping leaders Brent somehow slip up in their final three games.
Barking & Dagenham: Babatunde (Richard Alibon); Embery, Johnson, Blythe, (Valence); Gomes (St Joseph’s Dagenham); Bhavani (Parsloes); Cotterell (Manor Longbridge); Khalfaoui (Hunters Hall); Smith (Henry Green)