Barking Riverside fight back to win epic shootout thriller

DIVISION THREE CUP FINAL
BARKING RIVERSIDE 3-3 WEST ESSEX
(BARKING WON 5-4 ON PENS)

The last of the 2019/20 competitions finally reached a conclusion on Wednesday night at Mayesbrook Park as Barking Riverside and West Essex, now known as Chingford Athletic, faced off for the Division 3 Cup silverware and what a night it was.

Though the sides were in the same division in 2019/20, they were actually two divisions apart this term but that rarely showed in the match with the lower ranked West Essex flying out of the blocks with numerous efforts in the opening quarter forcing the Barking Riverside keeper into a couple of smart stops, along with some slightly wayward efforts that went over the bar. Despite that pressure, it was Barking Riverside who took the lead after 24 minutes as they capitalised on a slip at the back to stroke home the opener. They could have been further ahead soon after but were pegged back approaching the break as West Essex earned a penalty which was tucked away on the rebound after a solid save from the Barking keeper initially. The sides therefore went into the break at 1-1 and all to play for.

The second half saw the skies open and torrential rainfall for the rest of the evening, starting a really enthralling second forty-five minutes. West were quickest out of the traps once again and could have moved ahead in the opening exchanges of the half but eventually did so after 54 minutes as Barking's great goalline clearance was followed up by West Essex to give them a 2-1 lead! But that lead was shortlived as Barking Riverside got themselves back in the game on the hour with a good run, rounding the keeper to slot away an equaliser for 2-2. Barking's keeper was then needed to keep his side in it, turning a great shot around the post before seeing his side take another lead - a cross from the right side falling invitingly for the approaching attacker to finish from six yards out. With just a couple of minutes to go, West could have been forgiven for thinking their race was ran but in the dying moments of the game, one of the best goals of the season was drilled into the top corner to make it 3-3 and send it to a penalty shootout.

After such an incredible finish to the match, the penalty shootout was just as dramatic as the spectators filled the stand behind the goal to create a terrific atmosphere, whilst also dodging the incessant rain falling too no doubt! The penalties were all excellent but one moment made the difference as Barking's keeper pulled off an important stop midway through the shootout, his side completing all of their kicks to confirm them as the Division Three Cup winners! Congratulations to all involved and it was clear how much it meant to their players at full-time. Commiserations to West Essex who played more than just a part in an epic final and who will forget that dramatic conclusion to the ninety minutes.