STATISTICS

Date: Friday 10th May 2024
Kick-off: 8pm
Competition: Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy Semi Final
Venue: Catons Lane
Attendance: 260
Starters: Max Spence, Kenedi Dariri (C), Joe Clark, Jack Folan, Michael Aziaya, Bleron Ademi, Jack Dickinson, Karl Kayembe, Fahad Nyanja, Declan Nche, Warren Kayembe
Substitutes: Luke Hirst, Oumar Ndao, Argest Nela, Jalen Johnson, Charlie Thomson
Substitutions:
57′ Johnson for Ademi
64′ Ndao for Folan
70′ Hirst for Dickinson
Goal:
Solomon Ofori (Saffron Walden) 5′ 0-1
Yellow cards: Clark, Ndao
Red cards: None

REPORT

Barking’s season ended at Catons Lane as an early strike was the only goal as Saffron Walden Town won 1-0 and for the second year running were eliminated from the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy at the semi final stage.. 

Barking were playing well going forward but the home side took the lead after five minutes: the Blues failed to clear a long throw with some headed pinball before a short lifted ball found Solomon Ofori who half-volleyed the ball home from close range. It was nearly two after 15 minutes as Joe Clark missed an attempted clearance allowing the Saffron Walden striker to drive through on goal but his shot was comfortably wide of the target. Joni Vukaj went close with 25 minutes on the clock as he turned the visiting defence inside out but to Barking’s relief the ball hit the base of the post before going out of play. Barking finally had a chance of note after 37 minutes when a long throw by Clark evaded everyone in the box and was nearly met by Warren Kayembe who threw himself at the ball but the Walden defender did well to claw the ball away. Five minutes later and Barking had their best chance – Max Spence’s inch-perfect free kick met the head of Kenedi Dariri at the far post but his header was straight at Walden keeper Jarvis Monk. 

The second half was devoid of any real quality – availability issues late in the season left the Blues with an inexperienced bench but both sides lacked any real fluidity and neither goalkeeper was tested in the second half. Luke Hirst did score with a powerful shot into the roof of the net with seconds remaining but the flag was up for offside immediately as he collected the ball. That was the only action of note in a second half that saw Saffron Walden Town progress to the final to face Stanway Rovers next Sunday.

We will return in July and in the meantime we wish everyone a happy and peaceful summer. 

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.