Chelmsford & Mid-Essex 1-1 Barking & Dagenham (C&ME win 3-2 on pens)

BARKING & DGANEHAM U11S SUFFERED an early exit from the London Schools’ FA Crisp Shield after a penalty shootout defeat on Saturday. Despite dominating large parts of the game, Matas Kilmas’s first ever District goal was in vain as Chelmsford went through. 

Barking & Dagenham made a bright start and should have been awarded an early spot-kick when Somfechi Ukonu’s cross was handled by a home defender. However, much to the disbelief of all, the match official waved away the appeals.

Divine Mukasa then went close after a surging drive from his own half but his low effort was palmed away by the home keeper.

Barking & Dagenham remained in the ascendancy and went close when Nathan Solomon saw his effort fly inches wide after a flowing move involving Mukasa, Klimas and Jethro Medine.

Pace

The home side struggled to cope with the pace and movement of the visitors but took the lead with their first venture forward. A fierce drive was well saved by Abhi Pal in the Barking & Dagenham goal but the ball fell kindly to a Chelmsford player, who slotted the ball home.

Barking & Dagenham almost replied immediately after Ukuno was released by Mukasa but his shot was well saved.

However, with their next attack, Barking & Dagenham drew level. Klimas nicked the ball from a Chelmsford player twenty-five yards from goal. The Marsh Green man drove towards the box before unleashing a swerving shot that squirmed under the home keeper to level things up.

The half ended with Barking & Dagenham creating another chance. A swift counter attack resulted in Ukuno curling the ball narrowly wide of the upright.

Barking & Dagenham continued to dominate the second period and twice Romir Mann went close with efforts on goal. His first went inches over the bar and his second was well held by the Chelmsford keeper.

More Pace

Ukuno continued to cause the home side problems with his pace and twice in quick succession he got in behind the defence only to see his crosses cut out.

Mukasa saw his free kick headed over when it looked destined for the back of the net and Medine’s trickery almost set up Kilmas but he was crowded out before he could get an effort on goal.

Chelmsford began to look a little more threatening as the half wore on and almost grabbed a winner after a dangerous cross eluded the Barking & Dagenham defenders but the striker at the back post fired over when it looked easier to score.

Extra time saw Barking & Dagenham once again look the more dangerous and they were given a golden opportunity to win the tie when they were awarded a penalty in the first period of extra time. Medine’s trickery drew a foul from a home defender and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Aiden Shehu’s took the spot kick but the home keeper guessed right and managed to keep the ball out.

Rooted

 With the next attack, the home side almost made Barking & Dagenham pay for the miss but a long range free kick struck the post with Pal rooted to the spot.

The second period of extra time saw Barking & Dagenham push forward trying to grab a winner but they were unable to and the game would be decided by the lottery of spot kicks. Unfortunately for Barking & Dagenham, they missed three of their five penalties and Chelmsford went through to face Ealing or St. Albans in the next round.

Barking & Dagenham: Nathan Solomon (Southwood), Alamin Kosoko (Richard Alibon), Matas Klimas (Marsh Green), Somfechi Ukuno, (Dorothy Barley), Abhi Pal (Dorothy Barley), Ibrahim Bangurah (Valence), Romir Mann (Rush Green), Aidon Shehu (Hunters Hall), Amine Zafer (Gascoigne), Divine Mukasa (Roding) Jethro Medine (Northbury)