Barkingside Hoping Their Luck Holds Out

Joshua Brown analyses Barkingside’s recent winning performance and asks can it continue? 

Barkingside’s 2-1 victory over Wroxham last Saturday took their undefeated run to three as their last gasp scrap to rise up out of the Ryman Division North relegation zone continues.

After going 19 games without a win, the previously struggling East London side finally put an end to their horrendous run, forcing a change in their fortunes, with a 3-2 victory over Witham Town in February.

Since then, the Essex side have recorded one draw away to Tilbury FC before they celebrated an impressive victory against fellow relegation contenders Wroxham last weekend.

The recent result against Wroxham went down as Barkingside’s third home win of the season. However, the victory over Witham Town should be noted as the real turning point in their current campaign as before that, they hadn’t won at home since way back in September.

Rising above the drop zone

Little did they know that they would have to suffer an uninspiring run of 13 games before they could enjoy the satisfying feeling of victory once more.

The Sky Blues faithful are likely to have found new hope that their team can secure league safety after showing signs of a late resurgence, increasing their chances of rising up out of the bottom three.

The current form of free scoring Michael Spencer will only boost such optimism. With an overall tally of ten, the box-to-box central midfielder has scored five goals in his last four appearances.

Should the ‘Side save themselves from the drop, star man Spencer’s recent discovery of form is bound to be looked back on as a key reason for their survival.

Aside from his goals, Spencer’s midfield partnership with Jonathan Adebayo continues to prove invaluable for Barkingside who have tended to look like a different team when either of their anchor-men have been missing.

Winning partnership

As well as being responsible for a high number of assists, the pair bring a level of resilience and a willingness to tackle to the team, and with just eight games remaining, Barkingside must do everything they can to keep the midfield duo clear of injuries.

Currently three points from safety, Barkingside have undoubtedly found form at the right time as they enter such a crucial point in the season. Four of their last eight games are against teams who are currently placed in the bottom half of the table whilst their recent turn of fortune has proven better than the teams sitting directly above and below them.

Gus Gulfer’s side travel to Chelmsford side Heybridge Swifts on Saturday. The Swifts currently sit just two points clear of the relegation places. A win for Barkingside would take them to within one point of their upcoming opponents.

With morale at an all-season high and the run of results finally in their favour, Gulfer’s men will be hoping that this is just the start of an overwhelming turnaround to what has proven to be an extremely tough season.

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