Barking coach Day confident after friendly trauma

29 July 2010

By Rob Hendry

BARKING coach Neil Day is confident the Blues' pre-season is running to plan, despite a stressful friendly at Norwich United on Saturday.

The team coach was caught in traffic on the way to Norfolk, and kick-off had to be delayed by an hour as Barking were unable to warm-up.

However, the Mayesbrook Park side managed a creditable goalless draw, and Day was delighted with the run-out.

"After the delay you question how players will react, but the attitude was great and it was actually more like a cup tie," the coach claimed.

The Barking management have also had a chance to see some new signings for the first time, as well as take a closer look at some youngsters from the club's successful youth set-up.

"Harry Stevens has done really well so far as a replacement for Ben Turner at the back," said Day.

"He's a really good talker and looks commanding at the back, and we've also brought in Daryl Pascall from Southend Manor who looks promising.

"Chaz Liddard has been banging goals in for the reserves and he could get a chance along with a few other talented teenagers we have."

MEANWHILE, the first Essex Senior League fixtures were finally announced at the weekend after the crisis at Grays Athletic delayed proceedings.

Barking play Enfield on August 7, before a trip to Burnham a fortnight later sandwiched the club's much anticipated maiden FA Cup tie against Hadley, who beat the Blues 3-1 in a recent friendly.

Barking travel to Thurrock for another valuable warm-up game today (Wednesday), before playing a Stevenage Borough eleven next Tuesday, due to a link with the Football League side's Chief Executive Bobby Makin.