Gloucester 0-1 Barking & Dagenham
BRAVE, BELLIGERENT, BRILLIANT Barking & Dagenham returned west to Gloucester – just nine days ago, the scene of their only defeat to date – and produced a character-filled performance to book their place in a third Southern Counties Cup final in four years. Chi-Chi Musa-Onyeka’s second half strike was all that separated two incredible sides in yet another nervy encounter that was balanced on a knife edge from the first whistle to the last.
With a healthy Bank Holiday crowd keenly anticipating the entertainment at Longlevens, Barking & Dagenham were determined to impose themselves on their hosts much more than in the previous tie. On that occasion, the visitors were pinned to the edge of their box for the bulk of the game, valiantly resisting wave after wave of Gloucester sorties, until the pressure finally told four minutes from time.
Tactical Changes
Several tactical changes immediately paid dividends however as, in the third minute, Aysia Matabaro’s high press won the ball off the Gloucester back-line on the edge of the penalty area. Matabaro laid the ball off to Gracie Jones, who spotted the run of Musa-Onyeka, to chip a delicate pass into her path. Although the resulting cross narrowly evaded Rihanna Zaman at the back post, Barking & Dagenham’s intent was clear – they meant business.
The home side were here to win as well though. And Barking & Dagenham were served a timely reminder of their attacking talents a moment later when Dalia Wyszczelska dived at full stretch to deny the waspish Holly Myatt.
A minute later, Jones registered Barking & Dagenham’s first attempt on target with a long-range effort from twenty yards that required more power and pace to trouble Amelie White in the Gloucester goal.
Marcheri Sherrif then tried her luck with a free kick from near the half-way line that caused chaos before, at the other end, Wyszczelska was forced to show great reactions to parry an attempt from point blank range.
And Wyszczelska was well-positioned again to frustrate Myatt as her skilful attempt to convert an ever-dangerous Gloucester corner was well held.
Well Set
By now, under glorious blue skies, the pattern of the game was well set. From front to back, every Barking & Dagenham player fought for every blade of grass to challenge their gifted opponents – whilst their raw energy going forward caused endless problems.
During a dogged second half display, Rehema Okungu typified the Barking & Dagenham spirit, popping up everywhere to win tackles, block shots and charge forward at every opportunity. And the dependable backline of Tobe Edoka, Eva Young and skipper Sherrif held firm throughout.
The game’s decisive moment came with twenty minutes left on the clock. A succession of corners finally brought about the desired outcome as Matabaro drove a low set-piece from the right. Musa-Onyeka connected on the volley in the six-yard box, with the ball agonisingly looping up off the junction between foot and shin. Had she connected properly, several Gloucester players would surely have blocked it, however the delayed flight saw all attempts mistimed and the ball squirmed over the line for the most slender of leads.
Composure
It was almost two six minutes later when Okungu was almost rewarded for a fine individual display, showing great technique and composure to wriggle free, only for her goal-bound effort to be plucked from the air by White.
And Barking & Dagenham survived strong claims for a penalty as Myatt was bundled off the ball in the box, the referee correctly adjudging Matabaro’s challenge as shoulder-to-shoulder.
As the game edged towards its tense conclusion, Gloucester threw everything they had forward to gain an equaliser.
Nine days ago, it was at this point that the game was won by the hosts: the early start, the lengthy journey, and the relentless pressure finally took their toll four minutes from time. However, Barking & Dagenham showed that they are quick learners, with concentration levels remaining high and the midfield digging in fiercely to protect the resilient backline.
There was still drama though.
After a series of tight offside flags, Myatt finally broke free, sprinting clear to seemingly stroke past Wyszczelska for a deserved equaliser. The slightest touch of an outstretched finger-tip was enough however to divert the ball just wide of the post, to the grateful acclaim of the visiting Barking & Dagenham contingent.
Tension
And deep into injury time a Gloucester free kick from twenty yards cannoned back off the bar, adding to the unbearable tension under the May sunshine.
But Barking & Dagenham hung on to secure a memorable victory. With both teams leaving the pitch to appreciative applause, the game was thrilling example of district football between two evenly matched and top-quality teams.
The borough side now head to Oxford City FC on the 12th of June where they will face either Woking or St Albans in the final.
Barking & Dagenham: Tobechukwu Edoka (George Carey), Ganiyat Jimoh (Northbury), Gracie Jones (Grafton), Aysia Matabaro (Roding), Chi-Chi Musa-Onyeka (St Peter’s), Rehema Okungu (George Carey), Diamond Olalaye (Hunters Hall), Marcheri Sheriff (Grafton), Dalia Wyszczelska (Hunters Hall), Eva Young (Hunters Hall), Rihanna Zaman (Hunters Hall)