COMING TOGETHER FOR the first time, the latest set of BAD Girls off the production line were given a vivid introduction to district football as they contested the Southern Counties League Cup eastern heats in St Albans. Under glorious early autumn sunshine, the Barking & Dagenham district team produced some flowing football at times, promising much success for the months ahead.
In their opening encounter against eventual group winners Chiltern & South Buckinghamshire, Barking & Dagenham came within a whisker of claiming an opening point until a last gasp header clinched all three for their opponents.
Beforehand, Dominyka Petrauskaite enjoyed her side’s best opportunity, drilling low and hard in the opening minute to produce a good diving stop from the Chiltern keeper.
Denied
And when Tolu Elufowoju burst onto Jasmine Amrane’s header, the goal opened up in front of her until a desperate challenge denied the Rush Green striker at the last second.
Refusing to let the disappointment of the late winner deflate them, a much-improved performance against Sutton followed.
Again, Barking & Dagenham started strongly. This time, Winnie Watkins found Amrane just inside the box, with the Gascoigne playmaker’s effort on target, but well-saved.
And on ten minutes, a long punt up-field from keeper Fransisca Arhin was flicked on by the head of Amrane, into Petrauskiate’s path, only for the resulting attempt to nestle into the side netting.
Barking & Dagenham continued to create chances.
First Raima Hossain’s darting run down the right flank ended with a piercing centre across the box, with Barking & Dagenham players queueing up to convert. Miscommunication at the vital moment saw the chance spurned, Petrauskaite eventually salvaging an attempt on target that was again smothered by the grateful keeper.
Blocked
Then a series of corners ended in a goalmouth scramble, resulting in Hossain’s goal-bound effort being blocked on the line.
Elufowoju was denied in similar fashion to the first game, with George Carey’s Chloe Ajewole also going close with an improvised toe-poke on the stretch.
Barking & Dagenham then entered the final group game full of confidence – although no goal had come, the Sutton match saw a rapidly improved team shape and an emerging steely resolve.
However, despite the minds being willing, the flesh had other ideas as the demands of three back-to-back fast-paced district encounters began to take their toll.
A loss of concentration gifted St Albans a first half opener, with a dubious penalty decision bringing a second after the break.
Focus
The hosts made it three in the dying stages, with the Barking & Dagenham back-line under increasing pressure as focus began to fade.
A draw and two defeats was harsh on Barking & Dagenham, who certainly deserved more from their opening two games.
They will draw deep upon the character and determination shown against more experienced opponents and no doubt add goals and victories to their record as the season continues.
Barking & Dagenham: Amrane (Gascoigne), Ajewole (George Carey), Skendelis (Godwin), Williams (Goresbrook), Arhin (Northbury), Hossain (Northbury), Petrauskaite (Richard Alibon), Watkins (Rose Lane), Elufowoju (Rush Green), Stoute (Rush Green), Ameny (Valence), Rimkeviciute (William Bellamy)