Barkingside boss Matt Frew is ready for an FA Vase showdown with local rivals Barking

FA Carlsberg Vase: Barking v Barkingside, Saturday, September 1, kick-off 3pm

Barkingside manager Matt Frew believed his side’s comeback at London APSA in the Essex League Cup second round, first leg on Tuesday illustrated their “fight and togetherness”.

Frew’s men were 2-0 down at half time, but fought back through goals from Dave Cooper – celebrating his 100th appearance for the club – and substitute Gavin Toussaint to take a 2-2 draw into Monday’s second leg.

And the boss was happy with the overall display from a much-changed line-up.

Frew said: “We could have lost our heads after going two goals down, but we showed the fight and togetherness that we have in our team.

“We used the game to give some of the other lads a bit of a run-out.

“I changed the formation and personnel, giving four players a rest.

“The two goals they scored were basic errors on our part.

“We had the majority of the game, enjoyed more possession and played the better football but found ourselves 2-0 down at half time.

“In the second half we pressed them and opened them up.”

Barkingside’s first goal pulled them back into the game – but Frew was unsure who had actually scored at the time.

He said: “It was a strange one. In fact, I never realised until the following day that Dave was credited with it.

“But if it was his goal then that’s great for him on his 100th appearance for the club.

“He was very solid at the back and is coming back to his best form.”

Tuesday’s draw followed up the 2-0 win at Bowers & Pitsea in the first round of the Gordon Brasted Memorial Trophy on Saturday, which saw Paul Kavanagh and Dean Ellul on target.

And Frew was forced to praise Ellul’s incredible long-distance strike.

He said: “It was one of the best goals you’ll ever see.

“He collected the ball in his own half, took a few touches over the halfway line and then let fly.

“It really was a fantastic goal.”

Barkingside visit Barking in the first qualifying round of the FA Vase on Saturday.

And he wants to see his side make progress.

He said: “I think Barking have underachieved over the last few years and it’s going to be a hard game.

“But we want to do well in the Vase.”