Ryan Reel in Barkingside U10's

On a bitterly cold Wanstead Flats this afternoon, a fluid and well-drilled Ryan FC were a little too strong for Barkingside's U10s. However, there were plenty of reasons to be cheerful despite the 10s finishing once again without a win.

For one, there were smashing performances from Noah and Ronnie playing up from the 9s. Noah in particular looked the real deal in the first half asking some serious questions of the Ryan left back. Ronnie was tenacious and his cultured left foot nearly saw Barkingside take the lead but Ryan's keeper smothered well.

Ryan took the lead on 12 minutes with a slick move through the lines. However, Barkingside started turning the screw and good pressure saw a succession of corners awarded. George G narrowly missed connecting with the first before he slammed home another excellent cross in from Alfie. 1-1 and game on.

It was nip and tuck for the remainder of the first half. Another corner whistled across the Ryan box and it was great to see Lewis in terrific form, smothering a couple of attacks at the end of the half. Just before the whistle blew, Savanyah went on a magnificent run down the right wing denied only by a last gasp challenge by Ryan's left back.

Half time Ryan FC 1 - 1 Barkingside.

It was still tight at the start of the second half. Bustling Josh went close with a fine right footed effort from the edge of the box. George L was once again causing all sorts of problems down the right flank and surely it won't be long before Barkingside start capitalising on his gas.

At the other end, Lewis continued to defy all that Ryan threw at him. He was repealing all comers and was a bit unlucky when one parry fell back to Ryan's number 9 who slotted home Ryan's second.

Lucas was coming into the game increasingly and was asking a lot of questions down Ryan's left flank. However, Barkingside were caught on the counter twice late into the game. Frustratingly, despite throwing the kitchen sink at Ryan's back line, the ball would not fall kindly for Barkingside and the game finished in Ryan's favour 4 to 1.

A little harsh perhaps, but on the balance of play just about right. The defeat sees the 10s still looking for their first win of 2024. It'll come. Well done to all the 10s and particularly POTM Lewis.

Come on Barkingside!