Essex Senior League: Clapton 1 Barking 4

Barking went some way to getting over their FA Vase disappointment by thrashing local rivals Clapton 4-1 at the Old Spotted Dog last night (Tuesday) in the Essex Senior League.

Glen Golby and Steve Willis were left frustrated at the weekend after seeing their side knocked out of the Vase following a 3-2 defeat at Hertford Town.

They exited the competition in controversial circumstances, however, as Junior Appiah found the net midway through the second half, but the ball went through a hole and a corner was awarded.

If it had been allowed it would have been 3-2 to the home side and therefore Wale Odedoyin’s 81st minute goal might have made it 3-3.

But it wasn’t to be and the Blues had to turn their attention back to the league last night as they travelled to face the Tons.

They made a fantastic start at the Old Spotted Dog as Joe Pearman opened the scoring after 11 minutes before James Peagram doubled that advantage six minutes later.

Kieran English continued his good form by finding the net with half an hour played as Barking came in three up at the break.

Clapton boss Michael Walther would have wanted a response from his team, but it was Golby and Willis that were celebrating shortly after the second half had began.

Peagram doubled his tally for the evening by scoring again in the 51st minute to ensure the Blues would be taking the points back to Mayesbrook Park.

Tom Webb pulled one back for the Tons 13 minutes from time, but it was too little too late as Barking earned an excellent victory which takes them up to fifth in the table.

Blues don’t play again now until December 5 when they entertain Basildon United, who are second in the standings.

Clapton are eighth in the division after suffering their four loss of the campaign and will aim to bounce back on Saturday when they host FC Romania.