STATISTICS

Date: Saturday 28th December 2024
Kick-off: 3pm
Competition: Essex Senior League
Venue: Lawtech Stadium
Attendance: 117
Starters: Dan Purdue, Jeremy Arthur, Geneiro Maragh, Fahad Nazor, Pat Ahern ©, William Oduwa, Fahad Nyanja, Teddy Stacey, Juwon Akintunde, Sam Shaban, Akiljo Balliu
Substitutes: Emmanuel Frempong, Danny Plumridge-Biggs, Tony Martin, Ellis Lawson
Substitutions:
70’ Lawson for Akintunde
70’ Martin for Stacey
Goals:
44’ Arnold Mengi (Romford) 0-1
78’ Lawson 1-1
86’ Shaban 2-1
89’ Martin 3-1
Yellow cards: Purdue
Red cards: None

REPORT

BARKING RESURGENCE TOO MUCH FOR ROMFORD  

Barking closed out 2024 in style with a resilient 3-1 comeback victory over Romford at the Lawtech Stadium, putting an end to a run of three games without a win against their local rivals. 

Despite being depleted by suspensions, injuries, and absences, manager Craig Edwards’ side dug deep to claim a crucial three points and leapfrog Romford into sixth place in the league.

The match marked the debut of Fahad Nazor, and while the opening exchanges were cagey, both sides sought to gain the upper hand. Barking forced three early corners, but they came to nothing, while Romford responded with set pieces of their own that equally lacked a decisive edge. Romford had the game’s first clear chance in the 19th minute when Praise Ogbebor unleashed an angled shot, but Barking keeper Dan Purdue was equal to it. Barking, struggling to find their rhythm, had their only real first half opportunity from a snapshot by Sam Shaban that flew wide. Just before the break, Romford capitalised on a Barking mistake by easily losing the ball in the visitors half and from the subsequent attack Ogbebor’s pass across the box found Arnold Mengi, who made no mistake in firing past the helpless Purdue to give the visitors a 1-0 lead at halftime.

Barking resumed the second half with intent but initially found themselves under pressure as Romford, buoyed by their goal, looked for a second. However, the visitors failed to create any meaningful chances and Barking gradually clawed their way back into the game. In the 61st minute, Fahad Nyanja’s long throw found Akiljo Balliu, whose sharp shot forced Romford keeper Qamil Dervishaj into his first real save of the match. Edwards then made a decisive double substitution, bringing on Tony Martin and Ellis Lawson for Juwon Akintunde and Teddy Stacey. The change would prove pivotal in turning the tide. Barking’s momentum grew, and in the 78th minute, substitute Martin threaded a sublime defence-splitting pass to Ellis Lawson, who broke into the box and fired a superb finish past Dervishaj to level the score at 1-1.

Our next match is also the first of 2025 when next Saturday we travel to Burroughs Park to take on White Ensign with an earlier kick off of 2pm.

Report source: Terry Gilbert/Barking FC

Please note that the opinions expressed in this report are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, nor should be attributed to Barking Football Club.

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