Barkingside boss persuaded by success of under-21s in county cup

Barkingside boss Matt Frew says he may blood a few young players in his team’s game away to Aveley on Saturday.

While Side were losing to Romford on Wednesday the club’s under-21s were in action in the Essex Saturday Junior Trophy final.

The youngsters beat Pro-Athletic to lift the cup and Frew says their success has prompted him to consider including some in his next squad.

“It’s a hard one at the moment because there’s eight games left and you want to give opportunities but at this time of the year you don’t want to throw safety away,” said the Sky Blues chief.

“But at the moment the senior players are throwing it away. Maybe if we bring a few youngsters in with a bit more hunger and fight in them might be what’s needed.

“I’ll think about things. The Aveley manager watched us against Romford and was probably rubbing his hands laughing at things.”

Barkingside have another trip down the A13 this weekend as they take on a Millers side who still have an outside chance of making the play-offs.

In their last game Aveley beat Redbridge 7-0 and Frew is aware there is the possibility of a repeat result when he takes his side to Mill Field.

“It’s a worry that they posses that firepower. They’re a dangerous, good side. They’re not where they’d like to be. They should be in the top six but they’ve been hit by injuries.

“The league’s funny though. Anyone can beat anyone. All we can do is keep pluggin away. It’s not been good enough but there’s still time. We can’t rely on our games in hand.

“It’s not going to be an easy game. If we don’t want it against Aveley, we’ve seen what happens.”