Barking & Dagenham 2-2 Brent
BARKING & DAGENHAM AND BRENT played out a closely fought encounter at May & Baker with several of the regular home squad absent. A trio of newcomers proved their worth however, as Albert Rexhepi and David Peka in goal were busy and capable throughout. Meanwhile Cordell Addo will count himself unlucky not to appear on the scoresheet after all three made their district debuts in this Autumn friendly.
The game went from one end to the other until the home side stepped up a gear and scored a delightful goal: Calvin Edomi sent a sweet pass to the right, where Adrianno Morrison wasted no time in firing past the keeper.
Hesitation
In response, Brent began piled on the pressure until the hosts’ defence failed to clear the ball. After a moment’s hesitation, the visitors were back on level terms.
Marcanthony Kitoko and Dennis Oppong caused problems at the other end with frequent crosses into the penalty area.
Barking & Dagenham continued to press for the remainder of the half with with two shots narrowly missing the target and a clever header just dropping over the bar. In between, the Brent keeper produced a string of fine saves to keep the scores level at the interval.
In the second half, Barking & Dagenham were guilty of slack marking and somewhat lost their shape. Brent took advantage with a well worked goal to take the lead.
Burst
Stunned into action, Mohamed Njie showed pace on the wing, using his power and strength to set up several chances. From onesuch burst, a well taken corner was met by Edomi whose header missed the target by a whisker.
Tolga Ibryam and Luis Ameny continuously worked hard in midfield and battled to take control with Barking & Dagenham left frustrated as excellent efforts from Tomas Jonyla, Ikay Ozoani and Morrison all rocketed back against the crossbar!
Composure
Time was now running out as the home side showed impressive determination to equalise. Team spirit prevailed with just seconds left on the clock as Barking & Dagenham launched a last gasp attack.
With the ball breaking inthe box, Ozoani caused panic and was tripped. Showing great composure, he proudly dusted himself off, giving the keeper no chance in the ensuing penalty.
The match was a great advert for district football and the players from both sides were worthy of the resounding applause at the final whistle.
Barking and Dagenham: M Njie (Gascoigne), C Edomi (George Carey), M Kitoko (George Carey), A Rexhepi (George Carey), D Oppong (Grafton), C Addo (Grafton), T Jonyla (Manor), I Ozoani (St Joseph’s Barking), D Peka (Valence), T Ibryam (Valence), L Ameny (Valence), A Morrison (William Bellamy)