Barkingside 1-2 Eastside Athletic

Eastside Athletic booked their place in Round 2 of the Essex Sunday Junior Trophy, beating Barkingside 2-1 away from home.

Travelling squad: Francis Hastings (GK), Alfie Stacey, Corey Sears, Prince Bansende, Tobi Omotosho, Logan Hossack, Bailey Hossack, Alfie Mason (C), Owen Oakford, Mason Active, Kai O’Hare, Finley Morrison, Richard Agu, Jack Hobbs, Bobby Goodall, Bruno Da Fonseca.

Barkingside came into the tie a division below Eastside but in excellent form — 4 played, 9 points, +7 goal difference, sitting 2nd in Division 6. It showed in the opening exchanges, a physical start with both sides trading early challenges to try and assert control.

Eastside broke the deadlock before long, Logan Hossack getting onto the end of a Mason Active pass and driving it goalwards from outside the box, a deflection taking it in to make it 0-1 — his second of the season. Hossack has been excellent since moving from a forward role into midfield, and turning 18 just before this tie made the goal a fitting self-birthday present.

Barkingside grew into the game for a spell in the first half, threatening Eastside’s goal as they gained momentum, but the visitors held firm to take the 0-1 lead into the break.

Minutes into the second half, goalkeeper Francis Hastings found Mason Active out wide from a drop kick, who played it through to Kai O’Hare — shirt being pulled excessively inside the box in the process — and O’Hare made it 0-2. His second goal of the season takes him to 4 goal contributions in just 2 competitive appearances.

Barkingside pulled one back from a short corner, worked across the box and tapped in at the far post, Eastside caught unready as the referee hadn’t signalled for play to resume — one of several questionable calls on the day for both sides. Barkingside pushed hard from there, testing the Eastside defence and goalkeeper repeatedly. Francis Hastings nearly gifted them an equaliser, fumbling a routine catch, but recovered to claw the ball off the line.

Eastside held on to see out the win and progress to Round 2.

Man of the Match: Logan Hossack

Honourable mentions: Prince Bansende, Mason Active

The draw for Round 2 pits Eastside against Ridgeway Rovers U21s — another Division 6 side, but one that tops their league. Ridgeway are an established and well-respected club, with a youth pedigree that includes the likes of David Beckham and Harry Kane coming through their ranks.

Up next: Young Royals (A) — back to league football.

PRIDE OF THE EAST.