Blues joint-boss confident ahead of clash with league leaders FC Romania

Barking joint-manager Glen Golby is fully aware the next week could go a long way to shaping how successful the club will be in the Essex Senior League this season.

The Blues host FC Romania tonight (Tuesday) before travelling to Sawbridgeworth Town on Saturday, with both opponents featuring near the top of the standings.

A pair of positive results would keep Barking right in the hunt for the title, while two defeats would be a massive setback and Golby understands he may have to reassess his targets after Saturday’s game.

“We’ll know where we stand a lot better after these next two games,” said Golby. “As always, the target is maximum points from both games, but we know that we are coming up against two strong teams.

“Both the games against Romania this season have been tight games, but we know that Burnham Ramblers created a lot of chances against them recently so if we can keep it tight at the back, we’re confident.

“Sawbridgeworth were extremely well organised when we played them and it was another tight game that we unfortunately lost, but if manage to keep it tight at the back we know we can come through.”

Eight points separate Barking from league leaders Romania ahead of their clash at Mayesbrook Park tonight, but crucially the hosts have two games in hand.

A win for the Blues would pile the pressure on Romania at the top of the table, while a defeat could see Golby’s men playing catch up over the rest of the season.

But the Barking joint-boss believes the game is not as make-or-break as it is being made out to be.

“It is a crucial game, but both ourselves and Romania have games against teams near the top of the table in the coming weeks,” added Golby.

“They could beat us, but then we could gain ground with our games in hand while they drop points against other sides, so it’s not all doom and gloom if we do lose.”