December 2008

New Reserve team manager Rob O'Brien has asked that the below statement be placed on the website:

A New Year and a new manager, if changes in football were as frequent, there would be alot less grey haired managers around. Steve (Munday) has just been placed in charge of the first team and I was pleased when we spoke and he offered me the Reserve' position. The timing for me couldn't have been better. I recently got injured and need an operation to rectify an abdominal problem, this could take to at least the end of the season. Its not major but stops me playing at full tilt, I'll live. Also I am currently in the middle of doing my UEFA 'A' License, hopefully that will be complete this summer in August 2009.

What pleased me even more was the two gents that will assist me. Jeff Sears will be the assistant and Vinny O'Brien will be the Physio and look after the wellbeing of the players on training days and match days. They both come with good knowledge and bundles of enthusiasm and I hope we can continue in the manner we have started. We have had one training session and one friendly game under our belt at the club since we started last week.

At this time of year we can all get a bit laid back and fill ourselves with christmas cheer. I thought that it would be good to see the current squad in a tough friendly. We played Thurrock on Saturday 27th early K.O at 12.30pm. It went OK and I was pleased with the response the squad gave. There was a few good surprises and we have the foundations of a potentially good team. We will have to work hard & the players will have to concentrate on the way we want to play. Im after attractive football with lots of goal action.
Friendly result Barking 3 - 1 Thurrock (BFC Goals Thompson 2 and Whiteman)

Our job is to represent Barking FC in the right manner and develop as many players as possible to the level of the first team to help Steve.

In January we are mainly on the road with the only home game on the 10th Jan against Canvey. Our first competitive match is this sat 3rd away to Great Wakering Rovers in the cup at sunny Southend on sea. Maybe not that sunny this time of year, wish us luck. A happy new year to you all.

Good luck to Rob, Jeff and Vinny in the coming months and hopefully this will be the start of a long association with Barking FC.

28/12/08 Under 16's (0) 0  Mauritius Sports (0) 0

On Sunday the Under 16’s took on the only side with a 100% league record - Mauritius Sports and held them to a goaless draw to earn theimsleves a welll deserved point. Manager Stuart Cook writes:

in a tense game on the first team pitch Barking had their backs to the wall for much of the game but defended superbly, we could have nicked it at the end. Leon Smith and Joao Rodrigues were the pick of a good team performance

The Under 16s are at home again this coming Sunday kick off 11am when they entertain Romford.

The Reserve have a new management team – the team comprises of Rob O’Brien (Manager), Jeff Sears (Coach) and Vinny O’Brien (Physio).

Last Saturday (December 27th) the Reserves beat Thurrock  in a friendly against Thurrock.  All of our  goals came  in the first half, two from Michael THOMPSON and one from Richard WHITEMAN.  Thurrock's single reply came in the 90th minute.

Unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control - our old forum has ceased to function after nearly four years.

A new forum has been created at http://barkingfc.19.forumer.com - unfortunately all users will need to re register - apologies for any inconvenience this may cause.

The Under 16’s made the long trip to Suffolk to take on Cornard United in a rearranged Eastern Junior Alliance league cup first round tie. Manager Stuart Cook writes:

21/12/08 Cornard United (2) 2  Under 16’s (0) 0

Cornard went one up after five minutes with a free kick and minutes later the referee gave the home side a penalty after a challange from Leon Smith and sent him off despite the Cornard player going away from goal. Cornard duly scored from the spot. Despite playing with ten men, Barking had chances to get back into the game with Sam Bradley and Steven Smith going close. At the other end keeper Scott Griffiths made some great saves to keep the final score to 0-2.

The Under 16s are back in league action next Sunday December 28th when they are at home to second places Mauritius Sports kick off 11am. The match will be played on the Mayesbrook Park pitch.

The club has signed Homa Ashman who was on the substitutes bench at Burnham on Saturday.

Mark Doyle has had a successful operation and will be back in training as soon as possible. Sam Dennis missed the Burnham game due to injury and Matt Knight suffered an arm injury at Burnham. 

Manager Steve Munday has signed former Billericay player Matthew Knight while Duane Miller has joined Eton Manor.

In an effort to clear up his ongoing injury problems, Mark Doyle is to have an operation next week - it is hoped Mark will be back in action within 4 to 6 weeks.

We would like to wish Mark a speedy recovery and hope he is back in a blue shirt as soon as possible in 2009.

After three weeks without a game the Under 16’s were back in Eastern Junior Alliance League action last Sunday when they travelled to Potters Bar. Manager Stuart Cook writes:

07/12/08 Potters Bar Town (0) 3 Under 16’s (0) 2

Barking lost this this entertaining game due to a very dudious penalty in the last minute.a tight first half finished 0-0. Barking then missed a penalty and were then punished when Potters Bar went 1-0 up - but a Sam BRADLEY goal made it 1-1,  The home side then went 2-1 up, straight from the kick off a Edward O’Neill cross found Afolabi AJIBAWO who made it 2-2,  Barking missed a host of chances before the referee gave Potters Bar a last minute penalty from which they scored

The Under 16's have no game this Sunday but have to travel to Sudbury to take on Cornard United in ther rearranged Eastern Junior Alliance League cup tie on December 21st.

Stuart Cook is looking for two new players for the Under 16’s, in particular a striker and a centre half. Iif you fit the bill or know of someone who does then please contact Stuart.

Manager Steve Munday has signed former Redbridge and Waltham Forest player Daniel Hopkins who made his debut at Clapton. 

Richard Whiteman and Mike Thompson made welcome returns from injury while Mark Doyle should also soon be fit.