MONTEAGLE PRIMARY SCHOOL were left in seventh heaven as their prolific strike-force lit the path to victory in the final of the Barking & Dagenham Post Cup. Strikes from Ify Ogbonna, Samuel Eshun. Michael Adu and Sultan Bakare captured the borough title for the Burnham Road outfit despite the determined efforts of gritty opponents, Warren Juniors.

Seventh Heaven

It took ten minutes for the first opening to emerge when Bakare engineered space on the left flank, before picking out opposite winger David Crafter in the box. Crafter’s shot was blocked well at the last moment but Monteagle’s attacking intent was signalled – an approach that would see them bag three goals without reply inside ten first half minutes.

The scoring began courtesy of Ogbonna’s clipped free-kick, before Adu made a powerful break from defence, smashing a fierce strike against the upright. The rebound fell kindly to Bakare in space whose measured top-corner finish stretched the advantage to two.

Tap In

Bakare then turned provider, shimmying his way through Warren’s defences, slotting the ball through to Eshun for a tap in from close range.

A rejuvenated Warren charged out from the interval full of character and resilience. A series of Jack Jackson corners brought panic in the Monteagle six-yard box before La’vell Witham-Hunte’s shot from distance was shuffled behind by keeper Cosmin Ionut.

However, that left Warren exposed on the break, with Adu firing wide on the counter attack. From the resultant goal-kick though, Bakare stole possession inside Warren territory, showing great composure to extend the lead with a consummate finish.

Impossible

Four became five moments later when Ogbonna’s cross from the left touchline swirled goal-wards, looping into the net from a seemingly impossible angle.

Despite the score-line, Warren weren’t giving up. Isaac Bukenya typified their spirit, storming forward midway through the half, riding a series of challenges on a long-distance solo run until a tired effort was eventually held by the grateful Ionut.

And upfront, Arun Manget, was a constant menace, showing calm and composure with his deft touches and considered passing. Manget got reward for his industry with ten minutes remaining, intercepting a loose Monteagle throw-in then racing clear to claw one back for his team.

In response, Monteagle crafted the goal of the game. Ogbonna broke with pace down the left, holding off his marker and drawing defenders across. That left space for a through ball to Bakare, whose intelligent centre ran to the onrushing Adu; the outcome inevitable as he netted with a well-taken first time finish.

Remarkable

Adu then turned provider when his pinpoint cross picked out Bakare – a seventh goal seemed certain however keeper Jadon Mills made up his ground to pull off a remarkable stop from point blank range.

Despite Mills’ heroics, Monteagle weren’t to be denied, Eshun nabbing a second of the afternoon moments from time.

That wrapped up the action for Monteagle who racked up thirty-six goals in five matches en route to glory, netting seven goals or more for the fourth time in the competition. It was just reward for their attacking prowess and guaranteed them the title for the first time in the tournament’s history.

Monteagle: Ionut, Paqa, Adu, Crafter, Oduniyi, Ogbonna, Williams, Coppen, Eshun, Bakare, Wooster, Anso

Warren: Amoo, Bukenya, Daniel, Guzan, Herbert, Jackson, Kalia, Manget, Mills, Ogunsola, Savage, Shinett, Witham-Hunte