Gulfer happy with efforts at Harlow

Barkingside boss Gursel Gulfer was full of praise for his side despite losing 3-1 at Ryman North rivals Harlow Town last night.

The Cricklefield Stadium outfit are still searching for their first win of the campaign, but Gulfer was encouraged by what he saw against the Hawks.

He said: “I praised the boys, we dominated 70 per cent of the game and we kept going throughout the 90 minutes, which pleased me.

“We’re getting there and I feel it’s only a matter of time before we get that first win.

“I had an 18 year old goalkeeper starting as Darren Bechet is injured. He came in and did okay, but I think he is a bit young and not ready for first-team football just yet.”

Barkingside remain next to bottom with only two points from eight games after Alex Read made them pay for early missed chances, netting a hat-trick to make it eight goals in as many games this season for him.

Gulfer added: “If we had a top striker we’d be much higher up in the league, but that’s the difference in this division. “The top teams have top strikers, Read showed that.”

An audacious lob late on from Alfie Wren was a rare bright moment for the visitors as his stunning goal provided some consolation, but it could not affect the result.

“The first and last 20 minutes we were in complete control, but we need to be more clinical,” added Gulfer.

“We can’t keep saying we have played well and have nothing to show for it. Our results need to start matching our performances.

“I was happy with the boys at full time for the performance, but we can’t give away sloppy goals like we did. We have to cut out them mistakes. I’m optimistic though.”