Barkingside V Barking / Takeley 2.0 Clapton

[Grounhopper Mark.]

Left home at 1pm and went along the A120 passed Takeley where there were two road accidents as it was hammering it down, down the M11 and A406 where it was still raining heavy, but it cleared at Gants Hill i thought great i will get to see a game but the Barkingside Chairman and his wife i think, she served the burgers last time i saw Redbridge gave us the news on arrival at 2.15pm that the game was off.

 

The Chairman Jimmy Flanagan kindly phoned his contacts at Leyton v Redbridge and Aveley v Billericay to find me a game, but these were called off too. He kindly gave me his card and told me to see him when Witham visit in April. What a gentleman.

 

Got in me car and sped back up the M11 to Takeley, whlere to my surprise they were playing.

 

Takeley won 2.0 v Clapton. The result was not a fair reflection of the game. Clapton are a very good passing side.and even play it out of defence, none of this hoofing, the one touch stuff made them look better than Clapton have looked before. The first Takeley goal was scored before i arrived. First 20 mins that i missed, the second didn't arrive till the 85th minute and totally against the run of play. I was speaking to four neutrals in the 2nd half and they agreed it was all Clapton so not just me.Takeley seem to rely on brute force to grind out the result.

 

The main stand at Takeley which is now finished looks very impressive, but the 3 supporting blocks / poles in the middle totally block your view, so you spend the half walking from one side of the poles to the other to see the action down the other end. 2nd half i gave up and watched in the two newly constructives stands opposite. The ground is starting to come along nicely and puts some others to shame. Nice to see a few of the Takeley people again, Mark.

[Silencer]

At least you eventually got some action...despite the miles.

 

Southend Manor drew 0-0 with Basildon in terrible conditions. The swirling wind from the sea ruined the game although the ref was not far behind.

 

Probably a fair result in a poor game