STATISTICS

Date: Saturday 4th January 2025
Kick-off: 2pm
Competition: Essex Senior League
Venue: Burroughs Park
Attendance: 77
Starters: Dan Purdue, Charlie Thomson, Jeremy Arthur, Fahad Nazor, Pat Ahern ©, William Oduwa, Fahad Nyanja, Akiljo Balliu, Teddy Stacey, Tony Martin, Ellis Lawson, Fahad Nyanja
Substitutes: Henry Mabassa, Danny Plumridge-Biggs, Jerold Cobblah
Substitutions:
7’ Mabassa for Arthur
72’ Cobblah for Lawson
Yellow cards: Martin, Nazor
Red cards: None

REPORT

NOT SUCH A HAPPY NEW YEAR

After last week’s comeback success against Romford it was a bridge too far for a further depleted Barking side who had no answer for the low block and quick counter attacking style of White Ensign, who were in complete control during their 2-0 victory at Burroughs Park. Goals from Jon Evans and Nathan Wilson were enough to take all three points for the home side. 

It was a frosty day but credit to White Ensign’s landlords Great Wakering Rovers who had done an excellent job for preparing their pitch for the biting frost experienced in the evenings and it was clear that there was no question about the status of the game. 

Barking had as many players available as unavailable, missing Miles Smith, Jay Bacon, Sam Edwards, Izzy Bademosi, Geneiro Maragh, Sam Shaban, Juwon Akintunde, Marcel McDonald among others for a variety of reasons including the usual injuries and suspension. 

Barking were forced to turn to their near empty bench just minutes into the game as Jeremy Arthur was forced off with what seemed to be an ankle injury meaning the one returning player, Henry Mabassa from suspension, was pressed into action early. Barking had the first shot of note after 17 minutes as Teddy Stacey’s effort from outside of the box was comfortably collected by Whitney in the White Ensign goal. Mabassa caused panic after 22 minutes as his poor header back was latched onto by an Ensign attacker but Dan Purdue capitalised on a poor touch by the striker to smother and collect the ball. Ensign were awarded their third penalty in two league games against Barking on the half hour mark, there could be no complaint for the Yellows as Mabassa bundled down his opponent in the box after being turned and chasing him into it. For the third time, Jon Evans put the ball down and slotted the ball past Purdue to give the home side the lead. Barking managed to finally put a spell of pressure together as the first half came to an end but this produced no chances. 

With his hands almost tied, Craig Edwards changed the shape at half time, with Mabassa being pushed up front to support the lonely Tony Martin, with Fahad Nyanja switching to left back. It didn’t help however and the home team had their second with ten minutes on the clock for the second half: a Ensign free kick on the edge of the box was curled towards the penalty spot and it was met by Nathan Wilson who managed to bundle the ball home. Purdue did well to save a powerful effort at his near post after 66 minutes as Barking struggled to break the home side down. It was Ensign who looked more like scoring and nearly had a third after 80 minutes as Teddy Stacey was dispossessed with a strong tackle in the centre circle but the attacker slotted the ball wide of the target after being set through on goal. Barking did manage the first shot on target for the second half shortly after as a long throw fell to Charlie Thomson in the box, his powerful half volley stung the palms of Joe Whitney in the Ensign goal but he did well to pluck the ball out of the air. 

That was it for the Yellows, who simply couldn’t get going against a side much more used to playing with each other and took their chances while denying Barking any real efforts.

We need to bounce back quickly and the next match is only a few days away, on Tuesday evening we travel to the Drive to meet Frenford.  

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.