Match report courtesy and Copyright of Trevor Gilbert at Barking FC
Image courtesy and Copyright @fieldmatters
This was a very welcome first league win of the season for Barking which lifted them off the foot of the table. However, it was not a great game and although neither side lacked effort, it was clear that a single goal for either team would settle matters. Thankfully Barking in the form of the hard working Isaac Westendorf did just that to keep up our 100% record against Westfield: three wins and no goals conceded.
Ben O‘Brien reached a personal landmark in his Barking career as he made his 388th senior appearance and in doing so passed Perry Coney into second place in our table since 1969. Julian Anau, a second half debutant on Tuesday night, made his first start as did our latest signing Michael Tweed who has joined us from Wingate & Finchley. Joe Bruce returned to the starting line up replacing Jack Hayes.
The first half was quite a sterile affair with both sides trying to make chances but in truth there was little end product. On 31 a long ball from Louis Dillon finds Isaac Westendorf who wrestles his way in from the left wing but his low attempt is saved by Westfield’s debutant keeper James Shaw. Five minutes later a Michael Tweed through ball slows down just enough for Westendorf to find Giovanni Palmer with his back to goal but his effort slides wide of the goal. The home sides best effort comes eight minutes from the break when a free kick is fired over the bar.
Barking were sent out well in advance of the second half restart having no doubt been reminded by Justin Gardner and Adam Flemming that their performance hadn’t been had of the required standard. Whatever was said had the required effect as after just two minutes Julian Anau marauds forward and his on-target long range shot moves in the air and Shaw palms the ball away for a corner. Isaac Westendorf drives in from the left on 50 and his shot from a narrow angle is saved by the feet of Shaw. Westfield remind Barking that they were still dangerous when a free kick routine on 66 leads to a shot being deflected over the bar with Manny Agboola helpless. Barking scored the goal that sealed the points on 72 when a long ball from Dan Flemming is not dealt with by Westfield’s Kai Davis and Isaac Westendorf nips in to poke the ball past Shaw and into the gaping goal.
Two minutes later and the home side nearly have an equaliser when some intricate football leads to an effort being blazed over from close range. From thereon in Barking effectively ran the clock down to claim the points.
Referee: Mr Timothy Godfray
Assistants: Mr Scott Orchard and Mr Scott Crowhurst
