STATISTICS

Date: Friday 3rd May 2024
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Competition: Essex Senior League Play Off Semi Final
Venue: Station Road
Attendance: 430
Starters: Lamar Joseph-Johnson, Fahad Nyanja, Caleb Dennis, Sam Edwards, Pat Ahern ©, Alfie Attrill, Akiljo Balliu, Teddy Stacey, Juwon Akintunde, Sam Shaban, Fionn Murphy
Substitutes: Charlie Thomson, Hassan Nalbant, Tyrese Sibanda, Michele Maccari, Dan Purdue
Substitutions:
59 Thomson for Nyanja
60 Nalbant for Shaban
73 Maccari for Edwards
73 Sibanda for Ahern
Goals:
George Powell 36’ (Takeley) 0-1
Olly Miles 81’ (Takeley) 0-2
Yellow cards: Akintunde
Red cards: None

REPORT

ONE DAY

For the fourth time and for the second consecutive season, Barking’s promotion dreams ended in a play-off semi-final defeat, this time at the hands of a commanding Takeley side who showed why they finished 14 points clear of the Blues with a 2–0 victory.

Despite a bright start and some promising early chances, Barking were gradually overrun by a well-drilled Takeley side whose physical presence, particularly from long throws and set pieces, proved too much to handle on the night.

Manager Craig Edwards made a big call by handing goalkeeper Lamar Joseph-Johnson a start in place of Dan Purdue, while Pat Ahern returned to the side after being withdrawn at half-time on Saturday. Barking knew they’d have to make the most of their early momentum and they nearly did.

After surviving some early Takeley pressure, Barking looked the sharper of the two sides in the opening stages. On 12 minutes, some tidy link-up play from Juwon Akintunde allowed Teddy Stacey a shooting chance which was blocked. Caleb Dennis followed up with a low strike that was gathered at the second attempt by Takeley keeper Jarvis Monk. Eight minutes later, another good move involving Akintunde and Stacey saw the latter test Monk again,who just about got his hands to the shot with Sam Shaban having a follow-up effort blocked. The ball eventually fell to Akiljo Balliu, who volleyed wide. As the half wore on, Takeley began to assert more and more control. A 28th minute counterattack led by Lanre Balogun forced Joseph-Johnson into a strong save, sparking a prolonged spell of pressure. Balogun was a continual threat to the visiting defence. On 35 minutes, Barking’s resistance broke. After another Balogun effort was tipped wide by Joseph-Johnson, the resulting corner found George Powell unmarked at the back post and he headed Takeley into the lead. Barking nearly responded just before the break, as a Sam Edwards free kick was punched clear by Monk and recycled by Fionn Murphy, but Shaban’s header lacked the power to trouble the keeper.

The visitors came out with intent in the second half, but while the effort was there, the quality needed to break down a resolute Takeley backline was missing. Despite enjoying some possession, Barking failed to fashion a clear-cut opportunity. Joseph-Johnson did well to tip a Glenn O’Hanlon shot over the bar just on 62 minutes, but with the second half largely passing by without much incident, Barking’s task grew more difficult. In the 81st minute, the game was settled. Balogun once again powered through and saw his shot blocked, but the loose ball fell kindly to Olly Miles who made no mistake from close range to double Takeley’s advantage. Barking tried to rally in the final minutes, but Takeley were content to sit deep and protect their lead. There was no late twist this time — just familiar heartbreak as the Blues exited at the semi-final stage once again. Takeley now go on to face Woodford Town in Saturday’s final for a place in the Isthmian League.

One day, the play-off tide may turn.

We will return in early July as preparations begin for another promotion push.

Please keep an eye on club channels for news of our pre-season programme.

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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