Defeat At Dereham

Despite a spirited performance Barkingside slipped to another defeat, going down to a strong Dereham Town side this afternoon at Aldiss Park.

It was ‘Side’s first game since a 1-0 loss at play-off hunting Heybridge Swifts 11 days ago. The game was made even tougher due to the fact ‘Side travelled up to Norfolk with only three players available on the bench, including none other than manager Matt Frew himself!

Dereham started the game on the front-foot putting ‘Side’s defence under pressure. Leigham Stone in goal was busy making some stops from some crosses. The keeper was supported well by his defence with Corey Ellis and Sean Crossley in particular making some good early blocks.

‘Side were looking good on the break with Danny Hayes and Tom Davie working hard to support lone-forward Brian Suchley. Lewis Francis recently signed from Romford was looking a real handful and the forward should have put ‘Side ahead but struck a shot inside the area narrowly over the bar.

Dereham took the lead in extraordinary circumstances when Adam Smith’s corner from the right deceived Stone in goal who could only parry the corner into the net. It could be argued that the strong-wind didn’t help the keeper but it was one that Stone should have done better with.

‘Side’s Bobby Port picked up a booking for a foul on Dereham’s winger Danny Beaumont on the half-way line. The home fans were angry that Port only got booked. They could only blame themselves shortly after as on 36 minutes ‘Side equalised in bizarre circumstances. A long ball from the back caused confusion in the home-defence and left-back Gary Starling under pressure from Francis simply lofted the ball past his keeper Will Viner and into the net.

A minute later Dereham were ahead when Luke Tuttle got on the end of a free-kick with his shot deflecting past Stone off Port. It had been a fantastic half of football. ‘Side though weren’t finished and equalised on the stroke of half-time.

A long free-kick into the box was flicked on by Brian Suchley into the path of Tom Davie who went down under a challenge. The referee had no option but to give a spot-kick. Matt Gulfer kept his cool to hammer the ball straight down the middle of the goal. That was Gulfer’s sixth goal of the season.

‘Side started the second-half well despite Dereham hitting the post when a cross from the left ended with a Dereham player failing to bundle the ball home from close-range. Matt Waldron almost capitalised on a weak clearance from keeper Viner and was unlucky to see his powerful strike from 40 yards tipped round the post by the fortunate keeper.

In the end though Dereham ultimately grabbed control of the game. Shaun Bammant fired the hosts back ahead following a scramble inside the area 14 minutes from time. Shortly after Dereham went 4-2 up when Tuttle converted from the penalty-spot. It was a controversial decision made by the referee as it appeared that Tuttle handled inside the area when holding off a challenge. ‘Side’s players and management were far from happy with the decision!

In the end though despite losing ‘Side had played well with Lorenzo Ramsay and Calvin Poku making good cameos off the bench. Hopefully the weather can improve and ‘Side can get back in action at home and pick up much-needed points.

Team: Leigham Stone, Bobby Port, Dan Mackin, Sean Crossley, Corey Ellis, Matt Waldron, Danny Hayes, Tom Davie, Brian Suchley (Lorenzo Ramsay), Matt Gulfer, Lewis Francis (Calvin Poku).

Sub Not Used: Matt Frew.

Booked: Bobby Port, Matt Waldron, Gulfer, Ellis, Poku