BARKING & DAGENHAM U11 BOYS continued their impressive start to the season with a promising showing at the WHUFC District Festival. Two wins and a draw from their three games saw them finish third, narrowly missing out on the final. 

First up was the challenge of Tower Hamlets and Raheem’s neat finish secured a 1-0 win. Barking & Dagenham controlled the game from the off and were good value for their win. 

Stevenage were their next opponents and, despite having numerous chances, hitting the woodwork twice and an inspired performance by the opposition keeper, the game finished 0-0. This meant that Stevenage progressed to the final, courtesy of winning their opening game 2-0. 

That meant Barking & Dagenham faced up against Newham in the third/fourth placed play-off, and they turned on the style to win 3-1.

Raheem grabbed his second goal of the festival with a well-worked goal. Newham equalised soon after, catching Barking & Dagenham on the counter.

However, the lead was soon restored when Hudson smashed home his first District goal after a flowing team move.

Arif then grabbed a third with a wicked, in-swinging corner as the team rounded off the festival with another impressive performance.