MATCH CENTRE

STATISTICS

Date: Tuesday 11th February 2025
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Competition: Essex Senior League
Venue: Lawtech Stadium
Attendance: 64
Starters: Lamar Joseph-Johnson, Alfie Attrill, Caleb Dennis, Sam Edwards, Pat Ahern ©, Henry Mabassa, Akiljo Balliu, Teddy Stacey, Juwon Akintunde, Sam Shaban, Tyrese Sibanda
Substitutes: Sakeel Balfour-Brown, Nikolay Manchev, Tony Martin, Michele Maccari, Fahad Nazor
Substitutions:
79’ Martin for Akintunde
Goals:
Shaban 31’ 1-0
Shaban 72’ 2-0
George Powell (Takeley) 76′ 2-1
Yellow cards: None
Red cards: None

REPORT

THIRD TIME LUCKY AGAINST TAKELEY

After two defeats against Takeley earlier this season, Barking finally got the better of their opponents, winning 2-1 thanks to a Sam Shaban brace and a solid defensive display.

Barking were without Fahad Nyanja due to illness, while Akan George was also sidelined, leading to Lamar Joseph-Johnson stepping in between the posts.

The match began at a frantic pace, with both teams attacking end-to-end. Barking had the first real chances, with Akiljo Balliu’s shot blocked before Shaban’s follow-up effort struck the post in the 11th minute. Takeley began to grow into the game, forcing a series of corners, but Barking’s defence stood firm. Barking broke the deadlock in the 31st minute with a well-worked move across the field culminating in Balliu’s delivery into the box which found Sam Shaban, whose initial header rebounded off a defender before he volleyed home to make it 1-0.

Takeley looked to respond, but Barking ended the first half in control, carrying their narrow lead into the break.

The intensity remained high after the restart. In the 54th minute, Teddy Stacey’s pass set up Tyrese Sibanda, whose run to the line ended in a cross that clipped the bar on its way out. Takeley increased the pressure, forcing Lamar Joseph-Johnson into a crucial save in the 61st minute. Moments later, at the other end, Takeley keeper Ronnie Yates denied Caleb Dennis with a brilliant stop from a deflected effort. Barking doubled their lead in the 72nd minute when a short corner from Sam Edwards to Stacey who crossed to Henry Mabassa, but his effort was blocked, but the rebound fell to Sam Shaban, who buried the ball into the net for his and Barking’s second of the game for 2-0.

However, Takeley responded quickly, pulling a goal back in the 76th minute. After sustained pressure from corners and long throws, George Powell headed home to make it 2-1. In the final stages Takeley threw everything they could forward in search of an equaliser, but Barking’s defence held firm. The visitors came agonizingly close late in stoppage time when a header hit the bar on its way over, but moments later, the final whistle blew to confirm Barking’s hard-fought win.

This victory lifted us into fifth place, ahead of Great Wakering Rovers, who play tomorrow evening (Wednesday) at Ilford. Next up, we face Buckhurst Hill away on Saturday with a 3pm kick-off.

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.

MATCH PHOTOS

Barking FC v Takeley FC - Tuesday February 11th 2024

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MATCH PROGRAMME

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