Having never met Hadley FC previously after arranging today’s friendly match the draw for the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup has thrown the same two teams together in a bizarre twist. However, anyone wishing to learn anything of significance in relation to the forthcoming cup tie would be disappointed as both teams waged a phony war in terms of team make up and as such both we (and hopefully) Hadley are none the wiser.

The game was played in the lovely surroundings of the HDSA Sports Ground in Arkley which is Hadley’s original home and their Reserve team still play there – for the past three season’s they have ground shared with Potters Bar FC which is where the FA Cup tie will be played. Last season Hadley were promoted to the Premier Division of the Spartan South Midlands League.

Barking’s team included a smattering of first team regulars, a large number of last season’s successful Reserve side and some trialists - the side was managed by Rob O'Brien and Steve Munday, ably assisted by Jeff Sears

As to be expected for the first game of the pre-season preparations the game early on was played at a slower pace as everyone strived to get into gear – however, in the first half it was the visitors who carried more of a goal threat and in particular Johnny Offei and Ruel Sandiford looked particularly dangerous. Only a goal line clearance stops Barking taking the lead from a corner and break into the box by Offei ends with a shot-cum-cross which is palmed away by the keeper, Sandiford is first to the rebound but fires over. A reoccurring theme through the first half is the danger caused by any set piece from the yellow shirted visitors. Just prior to the interval a lovely cross from Daryl Paskell evades friend and foe alike.

The second half starts well for Barking when in the opening minute some bad defensive play is seized upon by Johnny OFFEI who powers into the box and places the ball into the net to give Barking a deserved lead. For a period up to the hour mark the visitors are in the ascendency, from a Matt Malton cross sub Jevon Riley’s header appears to be going in, but somehow ends up just wide of the post. Offei again breaks thru but rolls his shot just wide and Riley has a good shot saved by the replacement Hadley keeper. On 75 minutes it all begins to unravel as a defence that for the majority of the match looked very solid, began to lose shape and concentration and our hosts took full advantage. Firstly a well executed lob beats Barking Jimmy Shephard and Hadley edge ahead on 80 when some nifty footwork takes Shephard out of the game and leaves the home player with a easy tap in. The final nail in the coffin arrives on 83 when another well struck shot hits the post and then the back of the net. Barking keep on playing to the end and when a Baronowski cross is unexpectedly missed by the keeper – despite having three players in the area, no-one is at the back post for what would be a easy tap in.

In our other friendly of the day our “Reserves” won 5-2 at Harold Wood Athletic, overturning a two goal half time deficit.