Press Officer, Adam Dennehey Reporting

An own goal deep into second half injury time prevented Barkingside from earning a hard fought win againgst a tough Basildon outfit.
The goal came in the 92nd minute, but in truth the visitors were well worth their point after blowing five chances to score in the first half.

Side started the game the better team and were unlucky not to go ahead, as early as the third minute. A good corner in from Jordan Tolan presented Dave Cooper with a chance on goal, the defender connected well with the ball but his header went over the bar.

Not long after that Side hit the woodwork. A free kick on the far side of the box was curled goalwards by Tolan, hitting the top of the bar with the goalie well beaten.

After that bright start, the visitors took control of the game and were unlucky not to take the lead on three occasions. Paul Richardson should have scored when clear and through, but dragged his shot inches wide of the post. After that Sean Merchant had a chance to score but his shot from the edge of the area went over.

On the visitors next attack they blew two chances to take the lead.
Richardson after turning Alex Carter saw his shot in the penalty area saved by Jason Roberts in goal. On the rebound Luke Bauckham failed to connect well with the ball allowing Roberts the chance to catch the ball on the line.

Against the run of play Side went into the lead. A ball from the right
found its way into the box, under pressure from a defender Sean Thomas attempted to head the ball home. His connection to the ball was miminal and the ball found its way to Ryan Imbert who tapped in to score his second goal for the club.

The first half ended with another chance for the visitors. Centreback Dan Hipgrave got up well for a header from a setpiece but saw his attempt hit the bar and then cleared of the line.

Basildon had the majority of the pocession in the second half. Chances from Richardson and Hansell were missed as Basildon's midfield worked hard. Bradley Ross was looking a threat for Side and he put in some good runs for the hosts but found little support from his team mates.

In the dying stages, there was a sense of a goal coming from the
visitors. Sadly for the hosts it came in rather unique circumstances
deep into injury time. A corner from the right was misjudged by Roberts in goal who ended up parrying the ball into the net. All in all a disapointing result for Tony Fenn and Amin Levitt, who will be
demanding better performances over the next coming games.



Full report to follow.

Match details:

Barkingside: Roberts, Cooper, Hughes, Bly, Carter, Scudder, McPherson, Tohan, Thomas, Imbert, Conway

Subs: Ross, Brewington, Mole, Tolan, Busualia.

Barkingside 1 Basildon United 0 (Ryan Inbert 32)