Unbeaten run comes to an end as the George leaves Wanstead.

All good things must come to an end, and as the George said farewell to thirsty and thrifty Wansteadians, so too did Barkingside's unbeaten start to the season come to an end. Euro Dagenham were in town with the league's loudest coach and their measured linesman.

From the off, it was obvious that the Barkingside backline were in for a long shift. The Dagenham number 9 was athletic and pacey and before Tony could finish pouring my instant coffee, Barkingside found themselves 2 down within the first four minutes. However, it is a measure of this squad that they responded as they did. Barkingside went on the front foot and started competing with a talented and strong Dagenham. It was twinkle toes Josh Le-Rasle who got them back in it. Following superb wing play from Benji, he cut the ball back into the box for Josh. Cutting inside the left back, he then shimmied to the right before unleashing an unstoppable shot that struck two Dagenham players and George D's dog before dribbling in. Game on.

Shortly after this, Josh was clattered in Alfie territory. He duly despatched the resulting free kick and Barkingside were on terms.

The Dagenham 9 was a constant threat, however, and after striking the post it was the 8 who applied a lovely finish to send Dagenham in at half time 3-2 to the good. Benji had a good effort strike the post but it was obvious that

Barkingside were in a game. George G and Savanyah had worked heroically against the marauding 9, and Fintan had brought guile and pace in at right back.

To everyone's horror, at the onset of the 2nd half, Dagenham brought on another number 9!

As the second half progressed, Dagenham took the initiative and frequently broke the Barkingside lines. Lewis pulled off a magnificent save one on one with Dagenham's original nine. However, it wasn't long before he'd poked another after out muscling George G, a questionable decision from the ref, but you have to take those. Alfie and the nine then engaged in some terrific tussles, Alf conceded a free kick before rather harshly being pinged for a trip in the penalty area which Dagenham's 8 stroked home. At that point coach Zack had to have a short walk. The 8 then lifted a lovely strike over Lewis before two breakaway goals saw Dagenham walk away with the three points.

Despite the loss, there was plenty that the B's can take from this game. Firstly, with limited means; Tony can make a passable instant coffee. Second, it was great to see so many Barkingsiders go toe to toe with physical opposition. Ben, George D, George L, Ed, Jackson and Lucas were able to adapt their game in challenging circumstances. A tough day at the office no doubt, but one the 11s will bounce back from.

In time honoured fashion, Barkingside hit the pub afterwards. The Guiness had run out at the George, Alfie, Ed and Josh were on the fruity's and somewhat inevitably, the police were called in at 5.00pm. Do you all still have your debit cards?

As ever, huge thanks to Reagan, Zack and Tony.

It's just as important to lose as it is to win, the B's will learn from this.