Barking Abbey Boys Football Academy seal a historic treble

Just before our Half-term break Barking Abbey Boys Football Academy attempted to win a historic treble as they played their second final of the year against Sigma Football Academy to add the Essex U18s Jeff Saxton School and Colleges trophy to their ESFA National Super cup trophy and the National Alliance U19 youth league winner’s medal. The final was held at National South’s Aveley FC.

Abbey took the lead early when Kien Connelly met a Ryan Osunde Corner to finish clinically. Sigma responded after the interval and equalised from the penalty spot. Sigma then put Abbey on the back foot when a tired Abbey Defence failed to deal with a routine punt forward and the Sigma striker finished well.

Luckily for Abbey first team reinforcements arrived after an exam clash, meant three of our first team regulars Jimi Feeley, Charlie Thomson and Kimani Kitoko, were unable to start! They were introduced with only 25 mins to go! The impact was immediate with Abbey now at full strength, Abbey started to d

ictate play and within minutes Connelly turned provider he found Sanni who pounced to smash home the equaliser! Abbey had momentum and Connelly provided the match winning quality when he crossed with accuracy from the bye- line and Sanni rose highest to head home what was to be the winner! Abbey realised they were only 3 mins away from completing the Treble! Abbey held strong and celebrated an unbelievable season that has seen them win all three school’s competitions entered!

Director of Football Carl Emberson said:

“What a season these young men have had! T

hey have been immense from the first minute to the last! Throughout the season they have demonstrated all of our school best habits and have now been rewarded for all their

 teamwork, self-discipline, excellence and bravery!”