Saturday 15th February, 2025 | Buckhurst Hill 2-1 Barking | Essex Senior League Premier | Attendance : 72
By Harry Biggs
Last-Minute Heroics Secure The Stags’ First Win of 2025
On a cold and wet Saturday afternoon at Myrak Park, Buckhurst Hill secured a dramatic victory over fifth-placed Barking FC, earning a crucial three points and their first win of 2025. In a game filled with intensity and late drama, captain Ollie Williams sealed the win with a last-minute header, capping off an inspired second-half performance.
Team Selection and Tactical Changes
Manager Mark Williams made four changes to the lineup following the defeat to Great Wakering Rovers. Ethan Daniels returned to the squad, replacing Chama Torsiello, as he continues his comeback from a long-term injury. Kai Peters stepped in for the unavailable Harry Hope, while an attacking reshuffle saw Jack Ferris and Moncur replace Koduah and Padington. Ferris, making just his second start for the club, had already made an impact with a debut goal in his previous appearance.
Barking Edge a Tight First Half
The game started at a frantic pace, with Barking appealing for a penalty within the opening five minutes. However, the referee saw through Fahad Nyanja’s attempt to win the spot-kick, issuing a booking for simulation.
Barking continued to push forward and almost took the lead in the 21st minute with an audacious long-range effort that had Anthony Page scrambling, but the shot narrowly cleared the crossbar.
The breakthrough came in the 29th minute when Ollie Williams conceded a free kick on the edge of the area. Sam Edwards stepped up and struck an unstoppable effort into the top corner, leaving Page with no chance.
Buckhurst Hill responded positively and created several opportunities before halftime. Kai Peters slipped a perfect through ball to Jack Ferris, but his close-range strike was denied by the Barking goalkeeper. Moments later, Ethan Daniels connected with an Archie Hammond free kick, only to see his header deflected over the bar. Further attempts from Carolan and Zuhdu came close, but The Stags went into the break trailing 1-0.
Second-Half Fightback
The second half saw Buckhurst Hill come out with renewed energy, dominating possession and pushing for an equaliser. Barking nearly gifted them a goal early on with a misplaced back pass, leading to an indirect free kick inside the box, but the opportunity went begging.
Despite continued pressure, The Stags struggled to find the net. Jude Carolan’s long-range drive was well saved, while Jack Ferris was inches away from converting a cross at the back post. At the other end, Page kept his side in the game with two brilliant saves in quick succession, including a fingertip effort to deny Sam Shabban.
Manager Mark Williams made changes to inject fresh legs, bringing on Alfie Padington for Kai Peters, followed by the introductions of Torsiello and Teddy Longman. For Longman, it was a significant moment—just his second first-team appearance after excelling in the reserves.
With six minutes remaining, the pressure finally paid off. Alfie Harris unleashed a powerful strike, forcing a fumble from the Barking goalkeeper. The resulting corner caused chaos in the box, and under pressure, Boamah punched the ball into his own net—The Stags were level!
Ollie Williams’ Last-Minute Winner
Sensing an opportunity to snatch all three points, Buckhurst Hill continued to press forward. Barking had a chance to regain the lead, but a swift counterattack was halted by a poor challenge on Ollie Williams. The referee’s decision to issue only a yellow card was met with frustration from the home bench.
As the game entered stoppage time, Buckhurst Hill had one last chance. A cross was lofted into the box, and Williams, rising highest, met it with a powerful header, sending the ball into the top corner. Myrak Park erupted as the skipper ran straight to the bench, celebrating with Mark Williams, Ted Buchanan, Steve Smith, and the substitutes.
A Memorable Victory
The final whistle signaled an incredible turnaround, securing The Stags’ first three points of 2025 in what was also their 180th game in senior football.
Speaking after the match, captain Ollie Williams and manager Mark Williams reflected on the team’s resilience and the significance of the victory. Full interview below.
Up The Stags! 🦌💪
TEAM :
Page 🧤, Foster 🟨, Carolan, Hammond, Harris, Daniels, Peters, Williams ©️ ⚽, Zuhdu, Moncur, Ferris
SUBS :
O’Neil (83’ – Hammond), Torsiello (75’ – Foster), Padington 🟨 (64’ – Peters), Buchanan, Longman 🟨 (75’ – Moncur)
UPCOMING GAMES:
Wednesday 19th February, 2025 – FC Clacton (H) – KO 7:45 PM – Essex Senior League Premier
Saturday 22nd February, 2025 – Saffron Walden Town (A) – KO 3 PM – Essex Senior League Premier
Wednesday 26th February, 2025 – White Ensign (H) – KO 7:45 PM – Essex Senior League Premier
