BARKING & DAGENHAM U11S SECURED their first silverware of the season with a fantastic victory in the Arsenal FC Hale End Cup. A dramatic 3–2 penalty shootout win over Islington in the final saw the boys bring the trophy back around the A406 for the first time.
The boys made an excellent start to the tournament, recording two wins and a draw from their three group games to finish top of their group and lay the foundations for a memorable day.
Strong Start in the Group Stages
Tower Hamlets were brushed aside 2–0 in the opening game. Israel opened the scoring with his first goal for the district before debutant Ziggy opened his account with a well-worked second goal, ensuring Barking & Dagenham got their campaign off to the best possible start.
The second game saw the boys face a much-fancied Bexley side. Oli capped a brilliant team move to give Barking & Dagenham an early lead, and the boys looked set to take all three points until a long-range free kick found its way into the net in the final minute. Although disappointed to concede so late, the draw was enough to keep Barking & Dagenham at the top of the standings.
The final group game against Islington was a winner-takes-all encounter for top spot. It was Barking & Dagenham who came out on top, thanks to an excellent finish from Ziggy, securing first place and setting up a quarter-final clash against local rivals Havering.
Penalty Drama Against Havering
The quarter-final proved to be a tight affair, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. With the score locked at 0–0 after normal time, the tie went to penalties.
After eleven successful spot kicks, Havering finally missed, sending Barking & Dagenham through to the semi-finals in dramatic fashion.
Barnet Beaten to Book Final Place
Standing between the boys and a place in the final were Barnet, the only other unbeaten team in the competition.
Barking & Dagenham produced a superb performance to win 2–0 and book their place in the showpiece event. Ziggy grabbed his third goal of the tournament to give his side an early lead, and only some excellent goalkeeping prevented the boys from extending their advantage.
Barnet threw bodies forward in search of an equaliser, but Hudson kept his composure to finish coolly and seal a thoroughly deserved victory.
Arif the Hero as Barking & Dagenham Lift the Cup
The final saw the boys face Islington once again, with the opportunity to bring home the trophy firmly within reach.
Barking & Dagenham dominated the early exchanges, but some resolute Islington defending prevented them from taking the lead. Islington gradually grew into the game but struggled to find a way past a determined Barking & Dagenham defence.
The boys continued to create chances but couldn’t find the breakthrough, meaning the final would be decided by another penalty shootout.
With the scores level at 2–2, Roman produced a fantastic save to give Barking & Dagenham the opportunity to win the cup. Up stepped Arif, who kept his nerve and made no mistake, sparking jubilant celebrations among the players, coaches and parents!
Champions!
