STATISTICS

Date: Friday 21st March 2025
Kick-off: 7:45pm
Competition: Essex Senior League 
Venue: Wadham Lodge Sports Ground
Attendance: 212
Starters: Dan Purdue, Charlie Thomson, Caleb Dennis, Sam Edwards, Pat Ahern ©, Lorenzo Saponara, Akiljo Balliu, Teddy Stacey, Juwon Akintunde, Sam Shaban, Fionn Murphy
Substitutes: Henry Mabassa, Tony Martin, Michele Maccari, Tyrese Sibanda, Alfie Attrill
Substitutions:
55’ Attrill for Murphy
75’ Martin for Edwards
82’ Maccari for Shaban
Goal:
81’ Jaedon Phillips Penalty (West Essex) 0-1
Yellow cards: Stacey
Red cards: None

REPORT

A NON LEAGUE DAY DUD

At the start of the Non League Day weekend Barking’s impressive form came to a juddering halt as they were outplayed by West Essex, falling victim to conceding yet another penalty with the hosts also having a goal ruled out for offside.

It was not a game high on quality and it took to the half hour for any chance of note as Barking had muted appeals for a penalty turned down as Akilijo Balliu attempted to get in front of goalkeeper Lewis Edwards dealing with a bobbly backpass. West Essex went the closer of the two sides five minutes later as Barking were not awake to a quick free kick, leading to a powerful cross which was nodded wide from close range.

The second half was much of the same, Barking devoid of any fluidity with West Essex edging the game without actually testing Dan Purdue. West Essex did actually have the ball into net after 55 minutes through Nathan Braithwaite after another long free kick but although initially a goal was given, it was eventually ruled out for offside for Yemi Adelami impeding Purdue. Barking did eventually come into the game with some half chances including Caleb Dennis and Balliu shooting from outside of the box but clearing the bar. In reality if there was going to be a winner it was to be West Essex, as nine minutes from time the Blues gifted them the opportunity as Zak Oliver was bundled over in the box by a combination of Calab Dennis and Lorenzo Saponara, marking the fourth consecutive competitive game in which Barking had conceded a penalty. Dan Purdue did guess the right way, but Jaedon Phillips penalty bobbled over his outstretched hand and into the net.

Despite the deficit, Barking couldn’t mount any meaningful pressure as the home side saw out the final ten minutes, the only chance being a Tony Martin free kick from inside the D of the box which comfortably cleared the crossbar.

Next Saturday afternoon we make the very short trip to Parsloes Park to take on Athletic Newham.

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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