Sides grind out a goalless draw

Barking ground out a goalless draw against Clapton at the Old Spotted Dog on Saturday, in a match that will not live long in the memories of either set of supporters.

However, Blues manager Mick O’Shea thought the match had more to offer.

“It was a typical visit to the Old Spotted Dog against a typically feisty Clapton side,” he said.

“I won my first ever game in charge of Barking against the Tons, but I’ve not had a great deal of success against them since in terms of games won,” he added.

The result means that the Blues are still unbeaten in the Essex Senior League with two wins and two draws.

“We had a fair bit of possession, but neither side created much in the way of chances,” said O’Shea.

“What chances that did come along were squandered though. We kept a clean sheet, but I’m a bit disappointed that we didn’t take the three points.”

O’Shea feels that Clapton have added a bit more to their game recently.

“They are always a physical side to play, but I think they are playing more football these days,” he said.

“I did have my usual banter with the Clapton supporters, though. There’s a hard core to the left of the dug-out and they gave me plenty of stick, but all in good spirit.

“It was another clean sheet and we’re still unbeaten, so we’ll move on from here.”

Blues are in action on Wednesday night, when they travel to Southend Manor for the next round of the Essex Senior Cup, having beaten Saffron Walden Town in the previous round.