August 2008

Following the welcome return of Jamie Murat against Enfield last Saturday, we are happy to welcome new signing Kye Ruel, who made a good impression in his debut game against Eton Manor but who is unfortunately unavailable for our next two games. 

Stuart Cook manager of our new under 16’s side advises that the teams first friendly has been arranged. It will be on Thursday evening at home against Hannikins Farm under 16’s kick off 6.30 pm.

The Under 16's will play in the Eastern Junior Alliance league London Division which also includes Dagenham & Redbridge, Enfield Town, Ilford, Mauritius Sports & Pennant, Norsmen, Potters Bar, Romford, Thurrock, Wingate & Finchley.

Details of their opening league fixtures are below -

September 2008
14th Sep 2008 Home to Thurrock
21st Sep 2008 Away to Norsmen
28th Sep 2008 Away to Potters Bar

October 2008
5th Oct 2008 Home to Dagenham & Redbridge League
12th Oct 2008 Away to Ilford
19th Oct 2008 Home to Enfield Town
26th Oct 2008 Away to Wingate & Finchley

Due to our early FA Cup exit this Saturday (August 30th) was due to be blank - however, the club has rearranged our home league fixture with Eton Manor which was due to be played next February.

The match kicks-off as usual at 3pm

Manager Dave Ross arranged a friendly last night  in order to further assess his options before our important F A Cup tie on Saturday. Our opponents were leading Essex Olympian League side Manford Way and the result was a 1-1 draw.
The definite man of the match was Leigham Stone who got another full 90 minutes under his belt and impressed with a string of saves to ensure parity was maintained. A good Stone save on five minutes lead to a corner from which the visitors took the lead following some poor marking. Barking’s best chances came from two free kicks: Daniel Brooks and Steve Rowles efforts sandwiched between a Manford Way free kick that smacked the bar.  As in last Saturday’s league game, the Blues battled back and a good move involving Brooks and Kye Ruel (who impressed all night) led to a handball in the box. Up stepped Richard WHITEMAN to equalise via the keeper and the post.
Stone was on his mettle early in the second periods saving with his legs. The home sides best two chances came through Bradley Williams whose shot was saved by the keeper but nobody could seize on the rebound. Later a Williams cross was spilled by the visiting custodian but he redeemed himself by saving Tom Mottram’s follow up header. Right on time Stone again caught the eye with a double save – both with his feet.

The Reserves completed their pre-season programme last Saturday with a 1-3 defeat at May & Baker. the Blues scorer was Lee WOOD

Manager Anthony Ferguson commented:

“The final friendly with May and Baker gave the management team lots of decisions to make. On this basis, the starting squad for this season has been formed with some further signings to take place this week. Some of the trialists have given a good account of themselves during the pre-season and we look forward to some of them making apearances in the first team very soon. We expect the players that have been signed to also be joined by first team players who are looking to improve their match fitness.
Unfortunately some players have been released and we wish them success in the future.”

Prior to Saturdays home game with Sawbridgeworth a team photo was taken, this is now available from our downloads section as a desktop wallpaper. It comes in three sizes 800x600, 1024x768 and 1152x864.

The wallpapers can be found by clicking here or by navigating to the downloads page via the link to the right of this page.

An additional friendly has been arranged for this coming Tuesday, August 12th - we will be at home to Manford Way. The game has been arranged by Dave Ross to look at players and also give others who did not feature as prominently in the friendles a run out.      

The match kicks-off at 7:45pm

For the forthcoming season we will have a programme sponsor for the 'Mayesbrook Review' as it will be known. It will be sponsored by MWH Property Services. This is the company operated by life long Barking supporter Mark Harris. Mark said: 'I'm very happy to answer the club's call for sponsorship, especially in these difficult times. I am very fond of the programme as a former editor and although I don't have the time to contribute as much as I would like to right now it's good to be able to help out financially. I would like to take this opportunity to wish the club all the very best both on and off the pitch for the year ahead.'                                                                                                                                                                                 
What Mark neglected to mention was as with previous seasons he has designed our programme cover and very good it looks too.