Chris Lockwood

Barkingside boss Matt Frew is hoping for more of the same as they make the trip to Southend Manor tomorrow.

Barkingside boss Matt Frew believes he witnessed their best performance since taking over as manager last season as they brushed aside a previously unbeaten Bethnal Green United side 2-0 at Mile End on Saturday.

The Oakside chief brought in two new players to the starting XI, midfielder Gabriel Onireti and striker Loran Ramsey, and both made a positive impact in the victory, which was secured with goals from Dave Cooper and Luke With.

Frew felt his side bossed the game from the off and were good value for the three points which moved them up to sixth in the Essex Senior League table.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game and we hadn’t hit top form, but on Saturday I thought we were the better side over the 90 minutes,” he said.

“I changed the formation and that worked, but I felt we were always the dominant side. That was our best performance I have seen since taking over as manager.

“Both the two new players made an impact. Loran is another tall striker and alongside Luke With caused their defence havoc all game.

“Gabriel was fantastic in midfield, he put in a good shift and put in a fair few good tackles to break the play up.”

The challenge remains for Frew’s side to make that performance a regular occurrence, and he is hoping for more of the same this weekend when Barkingside make the trip to Southend Manor.

“It’s a difficult place to go and it isn’t the best playing surface,” Frew added.

“When it’s windy there it makes it very difficult to play football. Whenever I have played there in the past there has only been the odd goal in it.

“But I still think we can get even better.”

The ’Side boss was disappointed to lose left-back Chris Lockwood after travelling from his home near Heathrow became a problem for the 23-year-old.

But Frew insists he has got enough strength in depth to cover his absence.

“He could no longer commit to the training as he lives so far away from us,” he confirmed.

“I appreciate all the hard work he has put in, especially when I first took over as manager.

“But with his partner expecting as well, he felt he could no longer commit to it and I respect that.

“I have a big squad and we have a couple of players who can play at left-back, but it is always disappointing to lose a player.”