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This was a game played between two sides who both have an eye on next season. The home team led by Dave Ross will no doubt be looking to re-emerge next August with a side capable of a promotion push. Barkingside on the other hand already have one eye on the Ryman league but still have some tough games ahead against Enfield 1893 and Concord Rangers on the last day of the season before they count their chickens. With Liam Stone being ruled out by the injury he sustained in Tuesday’s cup tie (although he believes he may be back next Saturday) Paul Butterfill stepped up from the Reserves. Also making his debut was Getro Kilape another playing who has been plying his trade with the Reserves recently and came closer to scoring than any other home player by hitting the bar. Junior Konuadu made his league bow and Johnny Ofei started his first game since February 2nd as recent injuries take their toll.
The first thirty minutes or so were played at very fast pace which seemed to suit the home side the better, but unfortunately after Barkingside took the lead it seemed to rock the Blues back on their heels and they found it difficult to recover. The second goal just after half time made it a real uphill struggle for the Mayesbrook Men and unfortunately the final ball to strikers Jimmy Noakes and Chris Taylor was not of sufficent quality for them to fully exploit. After eight minutes a free kick was headed into the home net but fortunately the league leaders were denied by a raised flag for offiside. The home side continued to push forward and Ofei was a good outlet on the righthand side with his willingness to run at the opposition. An astute through ball by debutant Kilape set Ofei on one such run down the wing and his lay-off found the waiting Juniro Konadu but he was unable to keep his shot down. On 22 they came closer when Sam Dennis received the ball in a good position 30 yards out, produces a good shot which visiting custodian Jamie Redwood does well to palm away. Alec Simm denies the visitors when former blue Paul Carr gets past Butterfill but Simm is there with a goal line clerarance. Five minutes before the interval it is 1-0 to the visitors when a slip by Alan Letbridge allows Dominic Harkins to race and with a one-on-one with Butterfill, and although the Barking keeper gets a big hand to the powerful shot he is unable to keep it out. Like any good predator Barkingside smelling blood decide to go for it and we are unable to really clear our lines. A good Carl Paul clearance from near the line prevents a quick second and folowing a good save by Butterfill, Ofei is there to clear off the line. A long a Barkingside throw finds one of their attackers virtually unmarked, but thankfully all he can do is head the ball into the ground and it bounces to safety over the bar.
Despite some good battling by Noakes to hold the ball up in forward positions the visitors extended their lead on 49. Despite an excellent save from Butterfill another former blue Brian Suchley who was playing at centre half in the first 45 minutes and being virtually on his knees powered his header against the bar and onto the line. Although Butterfill collected the rebound, the goal was given by the assistant referee standing in the middle between the halfway and goal lines; from this position he adjudged that the ball had crossed the line. Being realistic from theron in the three points were heading back to Oakside – despite all three subs being used there was no way back and any attacks were normally stopped by the impressive Corey Ellis, a player mentioned previously in these reports when we have faced Barkingside . The closest the home side came to scoring arrived was on 64 when Kilape received the ball, dropped his shoulder, bought some space and unleashed a shot which smacked the bar with Redwood beaten. On 78 Butterfill made an impressive from Jamie Langton after the visiting sub had twisted and turned past our defenders. The visitors wrapped the game up on 85 when a deflection in the area gave the ball to Brad Foley who slotted home for 3-0. The last word lay with Butterfill who made a good save to deny Foley a second and the visitors a fourth goal.
Next week at Mayesbrook Park it is Beaumont Athletic - we should be looking to pick up three points from this game to ensure we finish the season no lower than seventh place. |
