The SeedGrowers welcomed Barking to West Street for their first FA Cup tie of the season on Saturday the 6th. Both sides took very little time to get going as back and forth attacks began from the firsr whistle. Early on Barking forwards made shouts for a handball in the penalty area, but the newly promoted referee waved away concerns, continuing the flow of play. Barking’s Harry Baker was the first man to be booked in the bout, shortly followed by Coggeshall’s Vincent Follea. The same man fired over the bar in a close attempt that put the visitors under some pressure.

Full back Josh Hughes was later cautioned, with Daniel Ogunleye heading the ball into a great position in the play to follow, but the reds failed to meet the ball at the far post. Our no. 10 made more trouble for the away team as he broke past their back line brilliantly, working the ball into the box. The two following attempts were subsequently blocked as the move fizzled out toward the half time whistle.

Half-Time: Coggeshall Town 0 – 0 Barking.

As we got back underway for the second half, a slower start was clear to see. Kenedi Dariri made way for Eljay Worrell for the visitors as a result of an unfortunate head injury. Both Skirmantas Bulauka and Alfie Leach were booked after a scuffle was had following an unsavoury challenge. The SeedGrowers then made a change through the substitution of Louis Nial, who was replaced by Kris Oti. A double change was soon after utilised by Barking, who brought on both Monsheju and Kadiri for Wisdom and Okoye.

Centre back Martin Onoabhagbe headed just over the crossbar as he managed to tower above the defending side’s players. Yellow cards were brandished by the referee for the bookings of both Ben O’Brien and Charlie Cole, and not much later on for substitute Timothy Monsheju. Vincent Follea found himself in trouble again as a rash tackle meant he saw red in injury time, capping off a goalless draw at West Street.

Full-Time: Coggeshall Town 0 – 0 Barking.