Barking & Dagenham 1-2 Newham

BARKING & DAGENHAM U11’s SUFFERED a post-Jersey hangover as they were edged out by Newham in the Essex Finch League. Alfie Horan’s late penalty was in vain as a goal in each half saw the visitors take the spoils.

Despite missing six players, the home side made a bright start and debutante Cole Burrell created the game’s first chance. His run to the byline and cross was inches away from finding Nelson Ajayi at the front post. Ajayi then nearly turned provider, tricking his way past two tackles but the Newham defence were able to clear his dangerous centre.

Newham looked dangerous on the break and went in front with their first real attack. The pacy Florian Envoudou-Ada raced clear of the home defence before picking out Karlton Charles, who made no mistake from ten yards out.

Barking almost drew level instantly, Horan going close with a long range effort before Kye Fisher stung the palms of Kyle Brooks in the Newham goal. Horan went even closer with free kick from twenty-fivs yards but Newham finished the half on the front foot and Teddy Carroll had to be alert to deny Charles a second goal after another swift counter attack.

Barking were quickly on the front foot after the break as Horan saw his dipping shot fly narrowly wide. Jack Turner went even closer with the home side’s next effort – his first time, side footed effort missing by a matter of inches.

Fisher and Horan then combined to set up Ajayi but a perfectly timed tackle from Malachi Adewala snuffed out the danger. Horan had another free kick effort well saved by Razat Rahman but it was Newham who doubled their lead with a set piece of their own. Peter Rimikevis’ speculative effort was heading wide of the target but a massive deflection wrong-footed Jevonte McCarthy and Newham were two goals to the good.

Barking & Dagenham refused to give up and reduced the deficit with the last kick off the game. Horan confidently dispatching from the spot.

There was, however, barely time to restart as Newham took the points. Barking & Dagenham could feel unlucky that they didn’t take anything from the game, especially as they were missing a number of key players.