Barking 4-2 Waltham Forest

Forest put in a spirited performance against second-place Barking, but eventually fell short after two goals in six minutes killed the game off for the home side.

Forest started brightly and were rewarded when Jose Agua headed them in front, getting on the end of Jamal Mahir’s cross.

James Peagram levelled for the hosts, capitalizing on a fluffed clearance to roll the ball past Alex Catana.

Joel Barnett then put the home side ahead, nodding in from close range after Catana had saved an initial long range effort.

Forest were becoming increasingly frustrated in the second half, feeling that more than the lion’s share of decisions were going in the home side’s favour. The home side who, were on first-name terms with the referee.

Ellie Mbangu saw red after lashing out towards Barnett. Barnett had hit Mbangu in the face, and Forest were awarded a free-kick, but the Barking player got away scot-free.

Then came further controversy, as Peagram got his second of the game, deflecting in a long range effort. Forest were incensed by this, as Peagram appeared to be a full five yards offside.

Lamar Reynolds then added a fourth for the home side, despite again, appearing offside.

Miguel Lopes de Matos pulled a goal back for Forest with two minutes to play, but it wasn’t enough.

Photo thanks to Barking FC.