TUESDAY FEBRUARY 12TH - BARKING 3 (2) WALTHAM FOREST 2 (1)
Last night at a misty Mayesbrook Park Barking beat Waltham Forest by the odd goal in five in a match designed to give players of both sides a run out and both managers a chance to run their eye over players returning from injury and possible signings. Two players making a return from injury were Sam Dennis and Bradley Thomas - another player who was just returning was James Hughes who played for the whole of the opening period. Another player who caught the eye was new boy Alex Simm who completed the 90 minutes and gave an assured display throughout.
Despite being labelled a friendly the game was played at a high tempo and in good spirit throughout and credit to referee Mr Tom Brooks who decided to complete the game despite conditions which are usually found in a horror film. The home side started the brighter with Dennis and Hughes looking threatening down the left and the opening goal arrived on the quarter hour mark when Duane Miller escaped down the left and delivered a knee high cross which was powered home by Abraham ADEJOKUN. This was just reward for Adejokun who shone with his right wing play during the first period. With niineteen minutes elapsed Barking went two ahead - a central free kick some 35 yards from goal was struck low and hard by Bradley THOMAS and somehow found the back of the net. The Stags reduced the arrears on 28, but this did not deter the men in blue and as the interval approached they continued to attack and it was Adejokun who delivered a pinpoint to the feet of Miller who cleared the bar with his effort. Shortly afterwards Dennis powered in a shot which the visiting keeper did well to turn away.
At half time the referee and his assistants were locked in discussions whether to continue or not as the mist reduced visibility considerably - thankfully they decided to carry on and the fog did lift during the second half but returned as the game entered its closing stages. Both sides made numerous changes at the start of the second period which was reminiscent of England friendlies under a certain Swedish gentleman! It was the visitors who adapted better and on 51 they equalised from what looked suspiciously like an offiside position. What is it about our team and two goal leads ? However, on 58 Jimmy NOAKES restored Barkings lead and scored what proved to be the winner with a sweet lob from inside the penalty area. From thereon in Waltham Forest did not really get a sniff with Tristam Cools-Lartique in dominate form diverting a goalbound shot for a corner, Victor Omobeghin, Bradley Ross and Noakes threatening at the attacking end. Worthy of a mention were cameos by Darren Coleman (at left back) and Johnny Offei and even Adejokun managed to sneak back on. Hopefully, this will gear the players up for what looks like a tough home league game against Burnham Ramblers on Saturday, fog permitting of course.
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A friendly has been arranged for this coming Tuesday February 12th at Mayesbrook Park against Ryman Division 1 North side Waltham Forest. Dave Ross will be looking to give match practice and running the rule over new players. Admission will be £3 and £1 for concessions 
We are sorry to announce the departure of goalkeeper Clark Wells. Clark has unfortunately left due to increased work commitments. His replacement is Leigham Stone who has signed from Ilford and made his debut in Saturday’s Enfield game giving a good account of himself after a not unexpected shaky start considering the circumstances. We would like to thank Clark for his efforts, not least in being the first Barking keeper to score for ten years and wish him all the best for the future and take this opportunity to welcome Leigham as our new number one. 
