Festive fun for Barkingside winning comfortably away on a Billericay bog...

It was Ed, loving life in midfield, who epitomised a strong start, battling hard, driving through the lines and crossing well. Lucas was a constant nuisance pressing in support whilst Fintan was using his pace and strength to intercept any trouble coming the other way. Georges G and D combined with Josh for one of many flowing moves down the left channel but Barkingside were breathing a sigh of relief when a rare unchallenged cross saw Billericay head over when it looked easier to score. The warning was heeded and up a gear we went - Jackson marauding through the middle almost finding Lucas and Josh releasing Benji who's shot was fumbled only for the keeper to recover and save from a pouncing Ed.

A goal was coming and Lucas delivered, firing expertly into the corner from the edge of the box 💥 Savanyah and George G mopped up flashes of danger with their usual class to take us into the break with an impressive lead against the wind.

The second half began with action at both ends. The Billericay no 8 twisted and fired a bullet onto the crossbar before player of the match, Jackson, went tekkertastic flicking the ball over a confused defender and unfortunately denied a goal of the season contender by a great save. A ball over the top nearly caught Barkingside out before Fintan, Josh and that man Jackson ripped up the right hand side in another attack. The lead was doubled when Billericay offered Ben an early Christmas gift with a mishit goal kick. Our number 9 duly unwrapped, smashing home an unstoppable bullet into the corner 💥.

One way traffic now, George D stealing a ball and running 30 yards to win a corner that he nearly turned in himself from Lucas pinpoint delivery. Josh pulled off a double drag back that left 3 opposition midfielders bamboozled and Benji span away from his man to slot in Lucas who connected almost too well firing just over. Savanyah was marshalling the entire back line superbly allowing George G to head further forward with his left foot purring like a Pussycat playing a ball into Benji who nonchalantly beat the keeper but was cruelly denied by the post. Lewis showed supreme concentration, having spent most of the afternoon spectating, to spread himself and save with his legs when the Barkingside defence did get breached. The match ended with Lucas, channelling his inner Alfie, smashing against the bar from a free kick. The complete team performance to see out a sensational first half of the season. Enjoy those Mince Pies ! 🌲