National Alliance U19 Youth League Division E Champions

Barking Abbey Boys Football Academy were crowned National Alliance U19 Youth League Division E Champions after a last game shoot out against National league rivals Eastleigh Town.

Abbey took on their title contenders at home in the last game of the season with both teams on 58 points! Abbey had to beat Eastleigh as a draw would have been insufficient as Eastleigh had a superior goal difference.

Abbey started brightly and demonstrated a desire to take the game to Eastleigh. Creative midfielder Adrijus Lapacinskas stepped up with two moments of brilliance to score two goals to take Abbey in 2-0 up at half time. A clever finish from Abbey top scorer Kien Connolly sealed the 3-1 win. Every single Abbey player was outstanding. Unfortunately, Abbey could not celebrate the title on the day as Eastleigh still had a game in hand! However, the title would be decided a few weeks later when Abbey were informed that they had
indeed won the league and were crowned Division E Champions.

Director of Football Carl Emberson
“This squad of players have developed magnificently over the season; we started the season slowly. After 3 league games we had lost one, won one and drawn one. However, the squad continued to work hard and developed a great team spirit that enabled the team to only lose twice in the next 19 game’s winning 17 out 19 games. This is testament to the mentality and desire of this young group of student-athletes. All of them should be proud of themselves, to win the league with 18 wins out of 22 games is an incredible achievement”.

Well done Boys.