BARKING & DAGENHAM U11s SUFFERED 7-a-side heartbreak as they were knocked out in the semi-finals of the South East regional heats. The side had remained undefeated in their group to qualify for the knockout stages but they were well beaten 2-0 by a slick Brighton  side. 

Potters Bar

Barking & Dagenham opened their campaign up against pre-tournament favourites Potters Bar. They was very little between the two sides in an even first half. The Hertfordshire side, boasting nine academy players, then took the lead early in the second period with a wonder strike from Elian Quesada-Thorn.

However, Barking & Dagenham refused to give in and grabbed a deserved equaliser courtesy of a Basillio Rieno-Socoliche strike. The goal owed a lot to Alex Young whose brave challenge with the Bar ‘keeper saw the ball fall to the feet of Rieno-Socoliche, who made no mistake from ten yards. 

Maidstone

Next up was the challenge of Maidstone from Kent. Barking & Dagenham made a positive start and took the lead when David Osei-Kaffour fired home from close range.

Things almost got better for the Essex champions when Young was fouled in the area but his spot kick went over and the chance went begging.

The Kent side started the second half brightly and were back on level terms when Matty Beamont’s fierce free kick flew into the bottom corner. Both sides had chances to grab the win but both had to settle for a point each. 

Wycombe

Barking & Dagenham went into their final game against Wycombe knowing a win would see them through and they wasted no time in taking the lead – Osei-Kaffour finishing smartly from Ethan Wenayeto’s inviting cross.

The same duo combined moments later to double Barking & Dagenham’s lead. Wenayeto skipped past three challenges before teeing up Osei-Kaffour who smashed the ball home.

Barking & Dagenham continued to create chances but their rapid start meant they were always in control and the final whistle saw them through to the last four. 

Brighton

Brighton, who had impressed with three wins from their three group games, made a bright start to the semi final but were unable to find a way past Owen Duggan.

Then, just  as half time approached a moment of controversy saw the Sussex side take the lead. A corner seemed to be held by Duggan but the ball fell from his grasp after a nudge caused him to hit the post. The Brighton striker gleefully slotted the loose ball home despite it looking like Duggan had been clearly fouled. The referee didn’t agree and Barking & Dagenham went into the break a goal down. 

Chasing the game was always going to be a tough ask for Barking & Dagenham against a very good Brighton side and, despite their best efforts, they were unable to find a way through. With time almost up, Brighton finally sealed the place in the final with a breakaway goal as Barking & Dagenham pushed bodies forward. 

Havering

Despite the defeat, Barking & Dagenham could be proud of their efforts and will now look forward to a return to 9-a-side football when they entertain Havering in an Essex Finch Cup decider. 

Barking & Dagenham: Duggan, Ngala, Modza-Smith, Young, Calvey, Osei-Kaffour, Wenayeto, Rieno-Socoliche, Sveikauskas