FA Youth Cup: Barking Preview

 

The Hawks have only reached the First Round on two previous occasions – with both ties ending up in defeat away at Charlton Athletic (4-1 in 2017/18, 6-0 in 2018/19).

And in Dale Hurley’s first season in charge of the young Hawks, they will be out to make club history and reach the Second Round for the first time.

 

The young Hawks’ journey started in the Preliminary Round against Chipstead, where Marcus Grice’s second half effort forced penalties, with Hawks coming out on top 5-4. 

 

A more convincing win saw them progress through to the Second Qualifying Round as Three Bridges were beaten 4-1 at The McLaren Enclosed Ground. Mohamed Khedidji, Grice, Fin Miles and an own goal sealed the win

 

Callum Erskine and Omar Abdsami goals then saw Hawks beat fellow Isthmian South side Worthing in the Second Qualifying Round, before a Third Qualifying Round tie at home to Kingstonian over a fortnight ago. Having gone a goal down, Adrian Jimenez Nsue-Sha won a penalty which Miles converted to level the tie at the break. And the winning goal came midway through the second half, when Malik Mundoma fired past the keeper at the near post to seal a 2-1 win.

 

Barking have come through from the Extra Preliminary Round to make the First Round proper. After a 3-2 win at Walthamstow and a 2-1 success at Concord Rangers, Barking thrashed Ware 4-0 in the First Qualifying Round. 

 

A 3-0 win on the road at Bowers & Pitsea saw them reach the Third Qualifying Round, where they beat Histon 5-2 to progress to the First Round, having reached the third round of the competition last season.

 

Kick off is 7.45pm at Barking’s Lawtech Stadium, RM8 2JR.

 

Supporters who are unable to make the trip to Essex can follow the action on Hawks’ X (formerly Twitter) channel.