July 2007

Thursday evening saw the Blues win their second friendly of the pre-season and claim the scalp of Bishops Stortford of the Conference South by 2-1. Like Barking the Stortford Blues are also building towards next season and their side was a mixture of youth and experience with Manager and ex-Arsenal player Martin Hayes occupying a place on the bench. Both sides were committed to attack with Ryan Doyle and John Maskell ensuring in the first half that the visitors didn't get a clear sight of Adam Rafis's goal and the hard work of James Hughes, Michael Lee, Chris Bullock, Wayne Vaughan, Bradley Barnes and Nicky Wettner who tackled, chased and harried when not in possession of the ball. It was the livewire Barnes who came closest to scoring when his shot cleared the bar with the keeper beaten. Following the break it was more of the same for the home side and on 55 following a great save from the Stortford keeper the resulting corner was headed home by Ryan DOYLE for 1-0. Stortford fought back but the men in blue held firm with Maskell in dominant form. On 85 it was 2-0 when James Hughes got to the bye-line and although his cross was blocked, his second effort found Chris BULLOCK who coolly slotted home. Stortford rallied and pulled a goal back a minute later when a fizzing cross flew off a defender and past sub keeper Graham Hill for a own goal. The last few minutes were comfortably negotiated for a win which hopefully will go towards building confidence for the coming season.

Tuesday night saw Barking's first defeat of the pre-season in their second friendly game in the build up to season 2007-08 when they lost 0-1 to Essex Olympian side Manford Way. As with Saturday's game this was a "mix and match" game with two separate sides in each half. The first half saw a more experienced line up with Jamie Murat, Darren Bennett and Aaron Gayle from last season featuring. However, when a Manford player broke through a square looking Barking back line - who were vainly appealing for offside - his pass found former Blue Danny Cook who could not miss. The home side did fight back and were unlucky when a thunderous effort struck the bar and bounced to safety. The second half saw a different (and much younger) XI take the field with one familiar face that of one of last seasons keepers Graham Hill. Despite much industry and effort they could not pierce Manford's rearguard.

As the old saying goes "There is no place like home" and the Blues have a plethora of home draws in the FA Cup and Vase.

On August 18th we entertain Harefield United in the FA Cup extra preliminary round with the winners visiting Hillingdon Borough in the preliminary round on September 1st. The winners of that tie will be at home in the first qualifying round on September 15th to one of Northampton Spencer, Clapton, North Greenford or Royston Town.

We have a bye in the FA Vase first qualifying round and entertain either Tiptree United or Sileby Rangers in the second qualifying round on September 22nd. The winners of that tie will be at home again in the first round on October 6th to Stansted or Daventry.

The Club has finalised their pre-season programme with the following friendly matches - the majority of which are at home:

Sat 14th July - Home to Tiptree United - Kick off 3pm
Tue 17th July - Home to Manford Way - Kick off 7.45pm
Thu 19th July - Home to Bishop Stortford - Kick off 7.45pm
Sat 21st July - Home to Canvey Island - Kick off 3pm
Tue 24th July - Home to Waltham Forest - Kick off 7.45pm
Sat 28th July - Home to Brentwood Town - Kick off 3pm
Tue 31st July - Home to Dulwich - Kick off 7.45pm
Tue 7th August - Away to Takeley - Kick off 7pm

Admission prices for all of the home friendlies will be:
Adults £3 - Concessions £1 - Under 5s £Free