Its definitely a case of the Late Show tonight.
LATE 1
When I left work I was still in 2 minds about what game to attend. I thought I had the choice of 3 games:
1. West Ham U23s v Newcastle U23s at Dagenham & Redbridge
2. Tower Hamlets v Ilford
3. Barkingside v Takeley
2. Tower Hamlets v Ilford
3. Barkingside v Takeley
The West Ham game was a 1900 ko and the other 2 were 1945 ko. By the time I had cycled the 13 miles home from work, had a shower and stuffed my face there was not time to get to Dagenham for kick off in that game. So you could say I was late for that game.
LATE 2
Tower Hamlets v Ilford FC was postponed tonight with some players already at the ground. It was realised that the ground had been double booked with an athletics event, so the game was postponed at the last minute.
Only in Essex, only in Essex.
A very late postponement.
LATE 3
Fortunately I had already decided to go to Barkingside v Takeley instead of Tower Hamlets. I did not know the Tower Hamlets game had been postponed until I saw in the ground at Cricklefield Stadium,one of the regular Essex ground hoppers who had said yesterday that he was going to Tower Hamlets tonight.
I chose Barkingside for the second Monday in a row mainly because it is nearest ground to my home. Its always a friendly club and its a shame that they do not get better attendances. Its only £7 admission and that includes a programme. If you are a season ticket holder at a league club, then its only £5 to get in. You can't go wrong at that price.
Tonight's visitors Takeley were top of the table. Barkingside were not far behind, despite a heavy defeat on the opening day of the season and a 7-2 defeat on Saturday in the FA Cup.
Taking my seat in the stand just before kick off and Takeley attacked from the outset and with their second effort they took the lead, with only 28 seconds on the clock. That beats yesterday's 2 minutes at Romford for the visitor's there, Hullbridge.
The early stages of the game looked like Takeley were going to dominate. They were on top and seemed comfortable. However, as the half went on, Barkingside played themselves back into the game. Hard work rather than great skill it seemed, but that was rewarded when Barkingside scored a great equaliser with an unstoppable, well placed effort.
Half time, after decent first half saw the score still 1-1. Takeley attacked at the start of the second half, but were unable to score in the first 28 seconds of this half. It took them all of 3 minutes of this half to take the lead. Like the first half, Takeley dominated the first part of the half with Barkingside coming good later on. Right at the death, Barkingside were attacking and there was a coming together of 2 players just inside the penalty area. The referee immediately whistled and gave a free kick outside the area. I think this was a double error by the referee:
- The coming together in my opinion was not a foul
- The coming together was definitely inside the penalty area. At this point we were stood square onto the incident.
A get out of jail card for Barkingside and Takeley will be disappointed, but they failed to press home their advantage when ahead.
A very late goal to earn a point for Barkingside
The crowd of 101 certainly got value for money. 4 goals and 2 sides playing with passion and commitment. All this for only £7 including programme. Why would you want to pay from £20 to £60+ for a professional club game?
Hopefully tomorrow I will get to the Bowers & Pitsea FC v Waltham Abbey FA Cup Replay. The result of Saturday's 2-2 draw at Waltham Abbey
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