Barking Bounce Back To See Off Clapton

Jordan Parsons reports on the recent recovery shown by title contenders Barking after they beat league rivals Clapton at the Mayesbrook Park Stadium.

Barking showed great character, crushing league rivals Clapton in a thrilling 3-1 home win, to recapture their form and keep their title hopes alive.

A second consecutive brace from James Peagram plus a third goal from John Bricknell in the first half was enough to seal all three points for the East London outfit in a what was another crucial Essex Senior League fixture.

Barking welcomed Clapton to Mayesbrook Park on the back of a slight dip in form, in which they let a two-goal lead slip to lose against league strugglers Greenhouse. However, as their pursuit of league leaders FC Romania continues, the victory against Clapton has got Glen Golby’s side back on track.

The Blues dominated the first half, pinging the ball about the pitch with precision and confidence. They looked a completely different side compared to the team that withered away in their previous fixture.

In the seventh minute, Peagram broke free of the defence before rounding Clapton’s goalkeeper Pape Diagne and finishing in an empty net to put the hosts ahead.

Barking continued to control the opening stages, confining Clapton to their own half. Bricknell doubled his side’s lead after he drove a spectacular effort into the top corner from 25 yards.

Stretching

Despite a comfortable lead, Barking refused to make the same complacent errors that they did in their previous game as they continued to create scoring opportunities. Midfielder Steve Willis went close to stretching the home side’s lead further with a curled effort that drifted just wide of the post.

The Barking pressure continued to mount as they starved Clapton of any real spells of possession. In the 25th minute, Bricknell found the feet of Peagram with a fantastic pass and, similarly to his first goal, he glided past Diagne to slot in his second of the match, taking his haul for the season to an impressive 25.

Clapton appeared deflated as they struggle to halt Barking. Peagram continued to menace the ‘Ton’s defence and went close to a hat-trick on numerous occasions.

Tenacity

The second half saw a slightly more content Barking look to protect their lead, allowing Clapton to edge themselves back into the game. Tony Cookey’s tenacity to chase down Diagne’s long punt downfield was rewarded after he was brought down in the box by Barking defender Billy Reynolds resulting in the award of a penalty. Cookey made no mistake from the spot but Clapton struggled to create any further chances in open play. In the end, the visitors’ goal proved to be nothing more than a consolation.

Barking Co-Managers Glen Golby and Steve Willis will be pleased with their side’s confident performance as they look forward to their next upcoming league fixture. They face London Bari on Wednesday.

 

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