Barkingside Thriller Sees in the New Year

There were certainly no after effects from Christmas this afternoon as the U10s took on R77 in a fabulous fixture.

R77 started the game on the front foot. They were organised and passed the ball well. It came as no real surprise when they took the lead in the 10th minute. The ball was played across the Barkingside goalmouth and R77's winger bundled it in at the back post. It was 2-0 shortly afterwards - another scrappy goal. Barkingside made a few changes following this setback and immediately the tempo changed. Kayson pulled a great effort just wide and with Alfie and Savanyah pressing and tackling well at the back, suddenly R77 were finding life a lot more difficult. The midfield was being bossed by Josh and the chances kept coming for Barkingside. Benji went on a fabulous run outstripping the R77 full back. His shot just arrowed wide. From Alfie's dangerous corner, Barkingside looked set to score but somehow the R77 backline kept it out.

As half time arrived, it was Barkingside who were asking all the questions. Shortly into the second half a first goal duly arrived. From a short corner, Kayson took on the R77 right back before whipping in a terrific strike that hit top bins. However, this stung R77 into a revival, and they scored again shortly afterwards to make it 3-1. Lewis was having an assured game and from his delivery Barkingside progressed into the last third and Kayson produced another terrific strike, turning in the box and assuredly firing into the bottom corner. Game on.

At the back, George had entered the fray, and he put in some solid challenges to keep R77 at bay. Kayson was clattered just outside the Barkingside box - the ref waved play on and R77 grabbed a fourth. Barkingside had chances to clear their lines and were a little unfortunate as it ricocheted off the R77 winger before again rolling in at the back post. George L was again lively on the wing and Lucas was battling hard in midfield. R77 then scored an excellent fifth as their winger burst through and took it round Lewis before slotting home.

Barkingside didn't let their spirits fall, and it was Kayson, once again from long range, who made the breakthrough. His lovely curling effort hit the bar and bounced back to 'Sniffer' Ben, who was on hand to smash the ball home.

That was how it finished. R77 are without doubt a very accomplished team. Barkingside fought well today and despite falling a little short in the end, they can take many positive elements from their play today. Back in action next Sunday. We'll done B's.