Barkingside look for first

Barkingside manager Matt Frew is hoping his side can do the double over Dereham Town in their bid to avoid the drop (Saturday 3pm).

By quirk of fate, Side’s last victory came when they travelled to Town in February and came away from Norfolk with a 2-1 triumph.

Since then they have lost all six of their fixtures but Frew believes his side can achieve success in front of their home fans.

“Football’s a funny game. If the boys keep showing the commitment they have in the last couple of games, they’ll be OK,” said the Barkingside chief.

“There is room for improvement but the clock is ticking against us. We need a positive result that will set us up nicely for the run-in.”

In recent weeks Side’s hopes of obtaining the right result in matches have been hampered by a number of players being unavailable.

The Cricklefields club’s gaffer says that trend will continue this weekend.

“We are struggling for numbers at the moment. We have a lot of players missing in certain area. It doesn’t help when you’re in a dog fight,” he added.

“You want your strongest team available to you. I’ll have to tweak the squad a bit. I’m looking at the under-21s a bit but that’s what they’re there for.

“They’re hungry and want an opportunity. One or two might be given it against Dereham.”

Frew also believes the current state of the pitch at the club’s ground could affect the result.

“It’s hard to play on our pitch. If it stays dry it will be very bobbly which means you have to be more direct.

“It’s going to be a battle. They’re pushing for the play-offs and we’re looking to avoid relegation. It will be entertaining.

“They’re an attacking side but there are holes to exploit in their team. It’s not going to be a big margin. I think there’ll only be a goal in it.”