April 2003
 
Reserves update 27th April 2003

Although the Reserves league season has been completed the teams around them are still completing their programme. On Saturday St Alban's drew at home with Maldon Town and Purfleet beat Sawbridgeworth Town 3-1 also at home. Latest Table:-

POS TEAM P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Purfleet 23 18 4 1 77 18 59 58
2 Barking & East Ham Utd 26 17 5 4 72 29 43 56
3 St. Alban's City 23 16 2 5 70 31 39 50
Barking Ladies recruit 21st April 2003

Barking Ladies this week start their recruiting campaign for season 2003-2004 for their Junior Section. The current four Junior teams will all move up meaning the Club already has Under 11's playing Mini Soccer and Under 12 and Under 13's playing 11-a-side. The Under 16 team will be merged into the Senior Section. The First aim is to start new teams at Under 9 & Under 10 age groups, but the Club also wishes to add players at its existing three age groups above, and then if demand is around re-start a Under 15 team. The Club welcomes players of any standard, with or without experience, and you can contact the Club Secretary Paul Glibbery or turn up at Barking Football Club any Saturday at 10.15am for training.
FA Cup dates 20th April 2003

Looking forward to next season the FA have released the dates for the FA Cup competition:-

Extra Preliminary Round 23rd August 2003
Preliminary Round 30th August 2003
First Round Qualifying 13th September 2003
Second Round Qualifying 27th September 2003
Third Round Qualifying 11th October 2003
Fourth Round Qualifying 25th October 2003
First Round Proper 8th November 2003

 
Reserves update 20th April 2003

Although the Reserves completed their League fixtures last Tuesday - their rivals for the title still have games to play. Yesterday St Alban's City lost 1-0 at home to Basildon Reserves. Current League table :-

POS TEAM P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Barking & East Ham Utd 26 17 5 4 72 29 43 56
2 Purfleet 22 17 4 1 74 17 57 55
3 St. Alban's City 22 16 1 5 69 30 39 49

Both Purfleet and St Alban's both have games to play - four and five games respectively and chances are that we will finish in third place. Further updates will appear here as available.
John Ford's funeral 14th April 2003
The funeral of John Ford will take place on April 14th and will be attended by Richard Thomas and Blues supporters. A collection prior to Saturday’s game raised £80 for a floral tribute, to accompany the one sent by John Edgeworth on behalf of the Club. 
Minutes silence 10th April 2003
Following on from the sad news of the premature death of former Player and Assistant Manager John Ford a minutes silence will be observed prior to Saturday's game with Leyton Pennant.
In memoriam 7th April 2003

It is with great sadness that the report was received of the recent death of John Ford at the age of 57.John played many games for Barking at the Vicarage Field and was a frequent scorer from his position at halfback as it was then known. He later returned as Assistant Manager to Eddie McCluskey and shared in the glorious days of the Isthmian League Championship and several runs into the FA Cup competition proper. He was one of the ex players who participated in the re-union last season and was instantly recognisable to those who had not seen him for over twenty years. He will always be remembered with affection for his wholehearted approach to the game on the field and his friendliness off it.  John, who collapsed and died while playing golf, is survived by his wife Kay who will be remembered by older supporters for her regular support of John and the team. Funeral arrangements are not yet known
Signings 7th April 2003
Lee Glynn has joined from Hornchurch and Reserves keeper Sam Whitby has signed on Ryman League forms.
Reserves update 7th April 2003
The Reserves lost three in a row as they went down 1-3 at home to Romford Reserves on Saturday.  Latest Table:
POS TEAM P W D L F A GD PTS
1 Purfleet 22 17 4 1 74 17 57 55
2 Barking & East Ham Utd 25 17 4 4 70 27 43 55
3 St. Alban's City 20 15 1 4 66 27 39 46

The Reserves next and final game is away to Southend Manor on Tuesday April 15th

Ladies relegated 6th April 2003
What everybody associated with Barking Ladies has been fearing has come true. After today's 1-4 defeat at Mayesbrook to Langford LFC they are relegated - even though Enfield lost 1-2 at Barnet a win was needed to avoid relegation. Now the Ladies must look to next season and bounce back at the first attempt. 
Reserves update 1st April 2003
The Reserves lost two in a row as they went down 2-3 away to Concord Rangers tonight. Latest Table:
POS TEAM P W D L F A GD PTS
2 Barking & East Ham Utd 24 17 4 3 69 24 45 55
1 Purfleet 21 16 4 1 66 17 49 52
3 St. Alban's City 18 15 1 4 66 27 39 46

The Reserves next match is at Mayesbrook Park on Saturday (April 5th) when they entertain Romford Reserves.