STATISTICS

Date: Saturday 8th February 2025
Kick-off: 3pm
Competition: Essex Senior League
Venue: Catons Lane
Attendance: 195
Starters: Akan George, Charlie Thomson, Caleb Dennis, Sam Edwards, Pat Ahern ©, Alfie Attrill, Fahad Nyanja ©, Teddy Stacey, Tony Martin, Sam Shaban, Tyrese Sibanda
Substitutes: Henry Mabassa, Juwon Akintunde, Akiljo Balliu, Fahad Nazor, Michele Maccari
Substitutions:
HT Akintunde for Martin
72’ Maccari for Shaban
88’ Balliu for Nyanja
Goals:
Solomon Ofiri (Saffron Walden) 2’ 0-1
Shaban Penalty 66’ 1-1
Kaleel Green (Saffron Walden) 80′ 1-2
Yellow cards: Thomson, Stacey, Attrill, Dennis
Red cards: None

REPORT

KHALEEL LEAVES BARKING GREEN WITH ENVY

Barking were defeated by the odd goal in three in a throwback game at Saffron Walden Town on a pitch that did well to hold up after some extensive rain. An early own goal gave the home side the lead, before Sam Shaban equalised from the penalty spot but Khaleel Green scored with ten to go to give the home side all three points.

It couldn’t have started any worse for the Yellows, a low cross into the box bobbling around for Teddy Stacey to swing a leg at it but instead of going forward it looped towards goal and debutant goalkeeper Akan George could palm the ball into the net while wrongfooted and stretching with the home side’s Solomon Ofori getting a touch along the way. Saffron Walden nearly doubled their lead after five minutes as they broke the Barking line but George did well to stay low and save with his feet. Barking’s first chance came at the ten minute mark and it was a good one, the Yellows beating the defensive line over the top, with Tony Martin latching onto the ball and advancing on goal but his effort ended up in the side netting. After the initial chances the game could not get going, the pitch starting to cut up after the rain fall meant neither side was able to get into any rhythm. It took until first half injury time for another chance of note and the home side nearly doubled their lead: Ofori caused Barking nightmares all day and he went in on goal from a flick on but although his effort beat George it crept just wide of the post.

Barking started the second half infinitely better and fired their first warning after 53 minutes, with substitute Juwon Akintunde through on goal and looking to get a shot away before an excellent recovery tackle from Ricky Modeste. The home side continued to look dangerous on the counter with their fast front line but Barking continued to be looking the most likely to score next with Walden keeper James Askew forced into his first save as he got down quickly to turn his own defenders deflection on a cross away from goal. Barking had their moment after 66 minutes, Akintunde again through on goal, but this time he was clipped by Askew as he attempted to round him resulting in a penalty. Askew was cautioned and Modeste was sin binned for his protestations. Eventually, Sam Shaban stepped up and sent Askew the wrong way for a deserved Barking equaliser on the balance of play and a goal which was our 50th league goal this season. 

Barking couldn’t capitalise on the player advantage for ten minutes, the only chance coming right at the end as Akintunde’s turn and shot was saved by the feet of Askew. As the advantage ended for Barking their own deficit started, this time Caleb Dennis finding himself in the sin bin with under fifteen minutes remaining. The home side did take advantage and scored the winner after 80 minutes, Kaleel Green turning the Yellows defence inside out before advancing on goal, his first effort was well saved by George but unfortunately for Barking the rebound fell close to Green who slid the ball into the net. Walden expertly controlled the remaining time, even when Barking got back their full quota on the pitch. They will feel they deserved the three points, while Barking need to turn their attention to another tough fixture midweek against Takeley this coming Tuesday.

Report source: Trevor 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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