The Bridge made the relatively short trip to Barking looking to build on the 4-1 win over West Essex but knowing they were in for a hard game as The Blues were starting to put a run together under returning manager Craig Edwards. By the end of the day, Barking would extend that run to six unbeaten games with a narrow 1-0 win over the visitors in a game of limited chances.

The Blues won the game with a Michael Ngoo strike on the half hour mark, with Michael making his debut after signing for The Blues during the week. To be fair, it was a good finish by Ngoo, holding off a challenge in the area before firing home low down past Laurence Whymark.

This was a game of few chances, and The Bridge fought all the way but, ultimately, came up short and the home team probably had more efforts at goal with Whymark saving early on with his feet from a Tony Martin shot on goal, whilst for the visitors, Mechack Asuka had a chance go wide. Ngoo had replaced the prolific Juwon Akintunde after 23 minutes as he went off with a head injury and he sent a cross zipping across goal on 29 minutes, but nobody could touch it home. Just a minute later though he found the target for the only goal of the game.

As the first half came to a close The Bridge were pushing for the equaliser and forced a save from Dan Purdue and then went close with a dangerous free kick that nobody in green and yellow could get a final touch to as the half finished 1-0.

The second half was very similar to the first, with both sides having some possession and Barking shading it in chances created. Whymark was called into action a couple of times and Sam Edwards crashed a volley off the bar as he got on the end of a Barking corner. Meanwhile, The Bridge were involved in a Barking penalty box scramble that was cleared for a corner as they pressed for the equaliser.

Edwards also went close with a couple of late free kicks, one that went wide and the other saved by keeper Whymark. Despite Hullbridge pressure, the Barking defence held firm and recorded their third consecutive clean sheet. A good effort again by The Bridge but no reward which makes the next game at home to Saffron Walden Town another ‘must win’ game, which is becoming a bit of a mantra as the season progresses. Still, recent good performances give us all some hope and as always…

Another solid performance at right-back from Jack and another MOM award, well played mate!