Without a league victory in six games, Barkingside will be hoping to turn their frustratingly inconsistent form around with a win against local rivals Clapton.
Having been relegated from the Ryman Division One North last season, ‘The Side’s’ start to the new campaign has been somewhat disappointing. As Gus Gulfer’s men have the ambition of an immediate promotion, the local derby is seen as the perfect fixture to re-establish themselves as contenders.
With four wins from their last five league matches, Clapton will be confident that they can get a victory over their local rivals, with three points moving them ever so closer to the enticing play-off positions.
The Tons defeated fellow promotion hopefuls Takeley, Basildon United and Illford in their previous three fixtures, as manager Jon Fowell has seemed to have found the right formula for his team following their shaky start to the season.
Players to watch
Barkingside
Striker Luke With is a fans favourite at Barkingside as well as being one of the longer-serving players. One of the bright lights in a disappointing 2015-2016 season, With has carried his good form into the new campaign by already contributing with four goals in the opening 14 games.
The big striker leads the front line superbly. Whether alone or with a strike partner, he links with his teammates with his hold up play and his ability to compete in the air. With has already shown he also has an aggressive side to his game this season by racking up two red cards in the opening two months of the season.
Clapton
From just six games, Clapton forward Fahad Nyanja has already scored four goals this season. Deserving of praise for his link up with fellow forward Will Mobray, the pair are leading the Clapton front line creating a deadly duo.
Barkingside will have to be on top form to stop Nyanja as he looks to continue his goal scoring form, with the bad news for the travelling side being that the striker only started four of the six games.
Head to Head
The two sides have not met since the last time Barkingside were in the Essex Senior League during the 2012/2013 season. The first fixture ended 1-1 at the Cricklefield Stadium before Barkingside traveled to Clapton and comfortably won 3-0. A lot has changed in the three seasons since, but the match will still undoubtedly be exciting.