Essex Senior League
Venue: Cricklefield
Attendance: 76
2018-19 Season – Match 27
Friday 26th October 2018 – 7.45pm KO
Barkingside : Sky Blue Shirts, Sky Blue Shorts, Sky Blue Socks
Woodford Town : Yellow Shirts, White Shorts, White Socks
Woodford overwhelm ‘Side to claim a big win at Cricklefield
Report by Scott W (Twitter: @ScottMHC14) | Photos by Scott & Peter D (Twitter: @ped1980)
This weekend’s action started with a trip to Cricklefield to see Barkingside take on Woodford Town. It’s been a while since I’d see Mike Walther’s side though obviously I’d heard about the troubles they are facing at present. As far as the line-up’s go, ‘Side named Mikel Breckenridge between the sticks with Timi Obisanya the focal point in attack, supported by Antoine Akinola and Ebenezer Mbona on the flanks and Harry Matthews skippering the side from central midfield. Woodford named a very strong side with teenage forwards Temi Babalola and Ethan Kessel supported by wingers Taku Mashingaidze and Connor Leon. Alex Reed continued in goal, with Jack Grosvenor captaining once again.
Woodford started the match in a decent fashion, as from support forward Ethan Kessel’s cross, striker Temi Babalola’s header wasn’t powerful enough to beat ‘Side goalkeeper Mikel Breckenridge. In the early going, Barkingside winger Ebenezer Mbona was testing the visiting defence with some promise down the left flank. After one or let-offs, Town did break the deadlock on 14 minutes as Babalola evaded the home backline through the middle and passed the ball low into the net past Breckenridge.
The visitors doubled their lead only five minutes later as in a promising attack, Babalola’s effort was saved by Breckenridge though it fell kindly to winger Taku Mashingaidze who cooly stroked home whilst finding space in the area. The hosts did make visiting custodian Alex Reed gather when a free-kick by full-back Kubilay Akbayrak flew into Reed’s arms. Town Full-back Ellis Routledge also sent a lob to test Breckenridge’s alertness midway through the half though the ‘keeper was equal to it.
The hosts struggled to outwit a stubborn Woodford defence to create chances and Dee Safer’s side extended their lead three minutes before half-time as from Kessel’s fine centre. Babalola headed home for his second of the evening.
Half-Time: Barkingside 0 – 3 Woodford Town
In the second half, ‘Side did force the visitors back for a short period though moments after substitute Samir Ali fired a decent chance wide, Town striker Babalola got his hat-trick after stroking home a Mashingaidze pass. Town had further chances soon after though winger Connor Leon and skipper Jack Grosvenor efforts fizzed wide.
With fifteen minutes remaining, Woodford were awarded a penalty after Akbayrak’s challenge on Ali which saw the defender dismissed. Ali dusted himself down and scored the spot-kick. Only three minutes later, Woodford added to ‘Side’s tough evening as Babalola unselfishly passed to substitute Marcel McDonald who stroked home into an empty net. Barkingside got a late consolation as the Town defence had a rare ‘shut-off moment’ and substitute Terry Mensah beat Reed from close range.
Full-Time: Barkingside 1 – 6 Woodford Town
All in all though, it was a convincing victory for Woodford who continue to impress this term with their brand of quick, dynamic football. Best wishes to both clubs for the rest of the season and my thanks to Barkingside FC for their hospitality.
Barkingside | Manager: Michael Walther
Mikel Breckenridge (GK), Kubilay Akbayrak, Toby barlow, Harry Matthews (Capt), Benjamin Imrie, Calvin Petrie, Antoine Akinola, Jermaine Francis, Timi Obisanya (Terry Mensah 57′), Jay Mukonde (Warren Kayembe 46′), Ebenezer Mbona
Goal-scorers: Terry Mensah [90’+1]
Sent Off: Akbayrak | Subs Not Used: Tyrell, Kennealy
Woodford Town | Manager: Dee Safer
Alex Reed (GK), Leon Wildman, Ellis Routledge, Malaki Toussaint, Luke Edgar, Jack Grosvenor (Capt), Taku Mashingaidze (Bailey Brown 83′), Andrea Montovani (Samir Ali 48′), Temi Babalola, Ethan Kessel, Connor Leon (Marcel McDonald 71′)
Goal-scorers: Temi Babalola [14′, 42′ & 52′], Taku Mashingaidze [19′], Samir Ali [pen 76′], Marcel McDonald [79′]
Booked: None | Subs Not Used: Al-Dani
survivor16b 