Essex Senior League title favourite's Barking visited Theobalds Lane last Saturday for a tricky looking game against sixth placed FC Romania. The Blues had slipped off the top of the table as they had not played a league game since before the ESL Christmas break when they lost 1-2 at home to local rival's Ilford - they had been replaced by Clapton who had won all three of their first games of 2017 against Basildon United, Stansted and Haringey & Waltham Development.
As always there was a lovely warm and very friendly welcome to Theobalds Lane from John Adams who is the tannoy man and very loyal supporter of FC Romania who even played Paddy Roberts song 'The Ballard of Barking Creek' for the visitors prior to kick off.
It turned out to be a afternoon to forget for FC Romania as Barking scored four times during to the first half through Petrit Elbi, Ben Higgs, James Peagram and Joe Pearman who lofted the ball in from a long way out with an excellent goal. It was a real physical game at times with some strong good old fashioned tackles being put in which was great to see - have a look at the video from 3m 41secs and right at the end of the game from 5m 58secs!
FC Romania regrouped and played much better after half time but the result was never in doubt. The home side scored at the beginning and end of the second half but the fact Barking were taking the three points back to Mayesbrook Park was never in doubt especially when Pearman scored his second goal on 79 minutes.
The final score was 2-5. It was the second time in 2017 they had let in five goals as they lost 1-5 at home to Southend Manor on Wednesday 4th July in the Gordon Brastead Memorial Trophy.
The future looks very bright for Barking FC under the management of Glenn Golby and Steve Willis - the club have a great Academy scheme under Mick O'Shea with Max Watters recently selected to represent England Schoolboys. He came on as substitute in this game and has played six times for the first team this season. James Peagram's goal was his 33rd in league and cup games this season.
Golby, Willis and everyone at the club will tell you there are many games to play with lots of twists and turns to go yet in the 2016/17 campaign but it's looking like Barking will re-visit Theobalds Lane in 17/18 to play Cheshunt in the Isthmian League Division One (North) - that is if The Ambers don't go up themselves!
FC Romania are next in action in an away game at Redbridge on Saturday who are currently in tenth place in the table.
They blues welcome Enfield 1893 FC to Mayesbrook Park on Saturday where everyone at the club will celebrate and remember the life of Club President Ron Debenham who sadly passed away on Saturday afternoon aged 84 after a short spell in hospital.
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
Featuring commentary and analysis from a loyal Barking fan.
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