Defeat Leaves Boro’s Fate In The Balance

By Mike Woods

Romford 1, Barking 2

Had Romford earned the draw their performance deserved, Barking could scarcely have complained, but a late goal from Saliu Lo Seye gave the visitors all three points, assuring them of a Play-Off place and leaving Boro’s fate in the balance ahead of the last game of the season at home against Harwich & Parkeston next Saturday.

Barking had the first real chance after 15 minutes when Boro keeper Lee Haylock had to push away a free-kick before Barking’s Ryan Pickles shot over the bar after a partially cleared corner saw the ball come his way.

Flynn Hamilton had a shot saved by Barking keeper Omer Ozer after 27 minutes, but Barking went very close soon afterwards when a cross by Ricky Modeste on the right was deflected against the near post.

Barking went ahead in the 38^th minute with a penalty. Teddy Desmond’s challenge on ex-Boro forward Finlay Dorrell had the referee pointing to the spot and Sam Edwards’s spot kick found the corner of the net despite Boro keeper Lee Haylock going the right way.

Haylock saved with his feet to deny Barking striker Issa Sidibe as the game entered first half stoppage time and the first period ended with a shot by Matt Price that went across the Barking goal and wide.

Flynn Hamilton levelled the scores two minutes after the interval with an outstanding goal. Taking a pass from Teddy Desmond, Hamilton played a one-two with Greig Stewart before unleashing a superb shot into the top corner that gave Barking keeper Omer Ozer no chance whatever.

Romford were denied a penalty in the 59^th minute when Matt Price chased a long, high ball that Ozer came out of goal to punch clear, bundling Price over in the process, but rather than a penalty, referee Steward awarded Barking a free-kick.

Christian Adu Gyamfi burst forward for Romford only to be denied by a last ditch challenge, and then Barking went close to a second goal as Dorrell cut inside and fired a shot against the post. From the loose ball Haylock had to react smartly to turn a shot away for a corner.

Henry Hart ran on to Adu Gyamfi’s header but had his goalbound shot kicked away by Ozer and then Chris Miller showed excellent technique to volley at goal only for Ozer to save at the second attempt as the game entered the final quarter of an hour. Barking netted what proved to be the winner after 79 minutes when Saliu Lo Seye got goal side of Hart, fended off Hart’s challenge and fired into Haylock’s left hand corner.

There were chances for both sides in the closing minutes. Haylock had to turn a shot from James Folkes round his left hand post and then saw a cross from the right deflected onto the crossbar.

Chris Millar’s shot went just wide of the Barking goal in the 88^th minute and in the final minute of normal time, Barking went close again as Charlie Thomson’s shot was turned aside by Haylock. Then, in the fourth added minute, Darnell Fuller weaved his way into the box but his under hit shot failed to find the target.

Results elsewhere mean that Romford’s fate remains in their own hands going into the final week of the season. A draw next Saturday from the home game against Harwich & Parkeston might be enough to ensure Essex Senior League football for Boro next season depending on other results, but a win would guarantee it.

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