County Cups

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THE FansFocus.Com SENIOR CUP
 
 

              BARKINGSIDE   1 - 0   HARWICH & PARKESTON

After Extra Time
 
Bradley Foley's bullet header early in the second half proved sufficient to guide Barkingside through a keenly-contested Senior Cup tie staged at their shared accommodation, Oakside.

In a close encounter, both sides could justifiably have laid claim to the victory though the burly striker's intervention just after the break helped them overcome the weekend's F.A. Vase exit at home to Brimsdown Rovers.

With both clubs tasting different levels of success in their respective leagues so far, the odds would have slightly favoured the hosts going into the game. They were enjoying a 100% record after four games in the Essex Senior League having progressed to a narrow defeat at Blue Square South club Welling United in the F.A. Cup of late while Harwich were, in contrast, meandering towards the bottom of the Ridgeons League Premier Division.

Yet it was the visitors who made the brighter start, Steve Townes narrowly failing to connect with a ball from the right as a decent chance presented itself to him in the 9th minute. Shortly afterwards a weak backpass towards goalkeeper Ed Wooten at the other end almost cost the Shrimpers although Foley's low centre failed to pick-out a 'Side team mate.

There were only two further open opportunities registered in the first half, both falling to Harwich. Mark Palmer, making the step up from the Reserve Team, managed to get clear of the defence though his angle with goal eventually became too slight for an effective punt and the 25th-minute threat was diluted.

Full-back Adam Bloss was next to try his luck and his forceful free-kick was dangerously deflected towards the top corner for 'keeper James Redwood to palm away and retain scoreless parity going into the interval.

However, the deadlock was broken four minutes beyond the start of the second half, Foley jumping to connect with a right-flank delivery and directing his header beyond Wootton to give his team the lead.

Harwich's attacking potency took a dip in the second half and their frequenting of the Barkingside goal was rare and sometimes insignificant. The hosts, in contrast, found attack the best form of defence in the final ten minutes. Skipper James Bly arrived at the far post when handed an excellent chance to seal the game but the ball came off his shin pan and into the side netting at the vital moment.

Just three then minutes remained as a defensive lapse resulted in Mark Doyle pulling the trigger though he lacked sufficient composure to finish from inside the box. Thankfully for Tony Fenn, Kris Taylor and their team this was incidental as they advanced to Round Three.

Barkingside: James Redwood, Danny Church, Paul Kavanagh (Barry Simmons, 73), Core Ellis, Matthew Frew, James Bly, Anthony Scott, Jamie Langton (Dominic Harkins, 84), Bradley Foley, Mark Doyle, Lance McDowell. Unused Substitutes: Mark Steadman, Brian Suchley, Lee Newcomb.

Harwich: Ed Wooten, Adam Bloss, John Byrne, Robbie May, Kieran Johnston, Lee Matson, Liam Morley, Mark Palmer, Michael Hammond, Steve Townes, Tony Chatters. Unused Substitutes: Andy Hammett, Nathan Kioussis.

Bookings: None.

Referee: Kirk English (Romford).

Assistant Referees: Thomas Brooks (Dagenham) and William Vincent (Basildon).

Attendance: T.B.C.

Man of the Match: Lee Matson (Harwich & Parkeston) - Composed in defence and comfortable on the ball, Harwich's young skipper rarely put a foot wrong in this match and looks to have a bright future in the game.