BARKING boss Steve Munday has urged his improving defence to hold firm when they host free-scoring Southend Manor on Saturday, writes MATT DINER. Manor hit five past London APSA at the weekend and although Munday admits his side have been frail at the bac

BARKING boss Steve Munday has urged his improving defence to hold firm when they host free-scoring Southend Manor on Saturday, writes MATT DINER.

Manor hit five past London APSA at the weekend and although Munday admits his side have been frail at the back in the past, the Blues manger remains confident.

"We are putting a side together that I think are gelling really well and I really want us to be nice and tight at the back," said Munday, after watching his side defend well in their last league match, a 2-1 win over Basildon.

"It is hard to get everyone playing together well quickly and, at the moment, we are scoring goals and I think we are improving our work defensively."

Munday is, however, wary of the threat Saturday's opponents could cause.

"We have played them three times and defensively they are pretty solid," he said.

"They are well organised and they have scored a few of late, so we need to start well and take the game to them from the off and see if we can get the upper hand."

Barking had no league match last Saturday and in an attempt to keep their recent momentum going, took on a Dagenham & Redbridge XI at Mayesbrook Park.

"It was a good run out and a lot of the boys did well," Munday said, after his side drew 3-3.

"We had three 40-minute halves and to be honest they all did fine. I was happy with Peter Moores, who managed to play 120 minutes!