January 2009

18/01/09 Dagenham & Redbridge (0) 0 Under 16's (0) 1  

The Under 16’s came out on top in this derby game on a very poor pitch and in windy conditions. Barking had the best chances in a tight first half, the best being a Daniel Gillard penalty that the Dagenham keeper saved .A Tosin Osinaike header went close but the score was 0-0 at half time.

The second half saw Dagenham come into the game more and keeper Scott Griffiths had to be at his best to keep them out. With five miutesn left, good pressure from sub Kai GOODEN on the Dagenham defence saw him score the goal to give Barking the win in a game that looked to be heading for a 0-0 draw and ensure that Barking did the double over Dagenham

This victory moves Barking up to third in the league and next Sunday the Under 16's are away to Chelmsford City in the first round of Eastern Junior Alliance League Chairman's Cup.

Report by Stuart Cook

Manager Steve Munday has been busy as always and we have several new and recent signings to report and welcome to the club.

Bradley Wiggington, a centre half from Enfield 1893 who has also played for Eton Manor and London APSA , Ben O’Brien, a former Romford Youth player and Craig Leader, former Barking youth and reserves player who has returned from Ilford, all made their senior debuts for us on Saturday against Romford.  Jamie Brooks previously with Eton Manor and Dave Armstrong who lists Clapton, Ilford and Metropolitan Police among his previous clubs.

There is much good news on the injury front. Mark Doyle, following an operation and Sam Dennis returned to action on Saturday against Romford and Matt Knight, who chipped a bone in his arm at Burnham, is almost ready to return. We are still missing Matt Malton with a knee injury which unfortunately is expected to keep him out for another month. We wish him a speedy recovery. Michael Thompson has recovered from his injury and played for the reserves and in a first team friendly but is suspended for one game in the week commencing February 2nd.

Congratulations and thanks to Craig Greenwood (above) and Sam Dennis who have both made 50 appearances for us.

TUESDAY JANUARY 13TH - BARKING 1 (1) WALTHAM FOREST 2 (0)

Last night the Blues were felled by Waltham Forest in a friendly match. Steve Munday and his management team used the match to assess the fitness of some players and the potential of others. For their part 'the Stags' are under new managment with Olawale Ojelabi the man in the hot seat, also included in the visitors squad were two former blues in Darren Coleman and Kye Ruel.

It was a tale of two halves with Barking winning the first and Forest the second - Leigham Stone was in early action and Lee Pyne replied for the home side but was wide. On 37 a good run to the line by Pyne was matched by a equally as good cross which flashed across goal and Richard Whiteman just failed to get the vital A few minutes from half time Pyne broke free and just as he appeared certain to score was pushed off the ball, luckily the Barking striker managed to get his shot in but it was deflected away for a corner and despite some vociferous appeals the referee was not interested. Any thoughts of an injustice were soon dispelled as the resulting corner was met by Lee PYNE to put Barking one up.

As expected the second half was awash with changes from both sides - but the visitors grasped the mettle to score twice. Between the sticks was Mark Parker and like Stone in the first half was in early action On 52 Forest equalise when the defending from a free kick was not what was expected. However, either side of the visitors winner on 61 Michael Thompson had good chances to score but was unable to find the target. Late on Forest had a good shout for a penalty - but as with the Barking's appeal in the first half it fell on deaf ears.

Starting XI: Leigham Stone (GK), Craig Leader, James Falaise, Bradley Wiggington, Craig Greenwood, Abraham Adejokun, Danny Hopkins, Bobby Priest,  Richard Whiteman, Lee Pyne, Michael Thompson

Substitues (All used): Shamrez Darr, Tee Jay Tigani, Johnny Oli, Ben O’Brien, Dave Armstrong, Mark Parker (GK)

Due to the lack of first team action since before Christmas a friendly has been arranged against Waltham Forest this coming Tuesday kick off 7:45pm. All welcome.

Last Saturday's postponed league game against Hullbridge Sports has been rearranged for Tuesday February 3rd again kick-off 7:45pm.