I was certain I had been here before in the mid 90's, but I really could not recall whether I did come here or whether I am just imagining it, so off I went to see if I remembered the place!
On arrival shortly after 7.30pm it all came back to me and I had actually been here before but for some reason hadn't counted it. (I have really vague memories of being in the main stand with a friend but I still cannot remember who I saw play here).
So this was ground number 290 for me and my 25th newbie of the season. Tonight's game was Bethnal Green United vs Barking in the Essex Senior League. The stadium is home to 2 senior sides Bethnal Green United & Sporting Bengal United both of the Essex Senior League, though Sporting Bengal were formerly in the Kent League.
As the new suggests this is a multi purpose stadium with a running track around it, which means that viewing is from a far. A crowd of around 50 (h/c) were in attendance and to be honest the game was worth well the £5 entrance fee.
I know the standard of the ESL is not of the highest having watched various games over the years but I really don't think that either Bethnal Green or Barking could cut it in the Ryman Div 1 North were they to be promoted in the next couple of season's unless an influx of better quality players were to arrive. However both teams had some skillful players on their ranks they just maybe lack the cutting edge.
The game ended 3-2 to the home side. Barking stormed into a 2-0 half time lead with goals coming in the 8th minute direct from a corner and a well taken 2nd in first half stoppage time, sending the dozen of so Barking fans into the break much the happier
Barking had ample chances in the 2nd half to extend their lead none more so when on around 70 mins, their 2 strikers contrived to mess up a simple tap in with the 2nd striker straying offside when it was easier to score.....oh how this chance came back to bite them on the backside.
Just 10 minutes later Bethnal Green's fightback started with a tap in after the ball bounced back off the post from a cracking header. 2 minutes later a hand ball just inside the box presented the home team the chance to draw level. After a short delay and 2 players arguing over who would take the kick the ball was in the net for 2-2.
Barking rallied trying to force the winner but this came from the home side when 2 minutes into added time a superb cross from the left found it's way across the goal and out to the right, where a home player spanked the ball into the net. A spot of arguing with the ref and a few comments aimed in he's direction then saw the Barking captain shown a 2nd yellow card & he was off...as he was still leaving the pitch the ref blew the whistle for full time and the end of a thoroughly entertaining 2nd half.
For me tonight was more about chalking another ground off but the last 15 minutes made the trip over the water to East London well worth the journey.
I move onto ground number 291 on Saturday when I will be in Whitstable for their game against Dulwich Hamlet.
Til the next time
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