Club news (sorted by sticky messages, then by publish date)
Barking up the wrong tree
Glendale made the journey to Dagenham this week for a Romford Charity Cup tie against a high-flying Barking Borough side from the Business House League. With the rearrangement of last week’s semi final, there were a few missing once again and on a pitch which resembled more of a minefield than a footballing arena, this looked a difficult assignment in sub zero wind chill.
Sporting a new formation, the Dales took to the field and were more than a match for their opponents with a number of telling interceptions in the early minutes of the game. Indeed the Borough backline was looking a little shaky barring the chap sporting shiny yellow leathers at right full back who looked more than useful.
Borough were able to find the best of their chances on the flanks with their left winger getting a couple of decent balls into the box as well as their wide right man but the defence stood firm and the freshly-cleaned gloves of Salmon Sayers showed plenty of stick, much like the puddle he was stood in.
Twoey Allen gave the Dales the best couple of chances with some driven balls which caught out a high-lined defence but were just a tad too weighty to be caught up. Lee Griffin also showed a good touch to hold up the ball and flick a couple of useful balls through from partner Taylor to expose the full back, the best of which a terrific threaded ball which went between full and centre backs but JT’s effort lacking the required accuracy.
Borough’s middle men showed plenty of skill for their bulk and indeed it was one of them that eventually gave them the lead when a scramble ensued following a set piece and from the edge of the box the midfielder found the bottom corner to open the scoring.
Alf then made a good save to keep the match live when he tipped round a another curled effort. Not long before the break the sides should have been level as Lee Mitchell’s throw was flicked on and the volleyed effort being stuck just over the bar as the side went in 1-0 down.
The second half belonged to the Dales was almost the first kick to the last as Borough backed off and dropped deeper allowing space for the Dales midfield to take control. The best chance came just 5 minutes into the half as JT sprung the offside trap to race clear but sliding his effort past the upright.
Another terrific chance came moments later, a deep Dan Parker free-kick splitting the defence and JT’s effort from a tight angle going just wide of the upright.
Grant Hayward’s goal scoring instincts were almost realized when Lee Griffin’s terrific work in the right channel and resultant pull back for Grant who then rocketed his effort at goal and saw a terrific save from the home keeper.
Chances came and went as the Dales seeked out that equalising goal but it was from a Dales set piece that Borough settled the game as a misdirected free-kick was cleared leaving a 3 on 1 situation with Alf facing three onrushing attackers resulting in an effort slotted home to break the Dales spirits.
As time ran out the best move of the game, as the ball passed from back to front found JT who ghosted past his defender was tripped but half stumbled to his feet and missed with his then miscued effort but the ref deciding not to pull back for the initial infringement and awarding a penalty.
2-0 was how the game finished. A good game against a good, strong side but on a shocking pitch!
