Once again the Alex produced a battling display to gain a point against a determined Barking Mad side that typically they would expect to beat.
The concern to arise from this game is that no-one on either side seemed to get out of the blocks very quickly, and in truth it wasn't a game for the neutrals. The game frequently became bogged down in the middle of the park, and the respective styles of both teams didn't make for an entertaining or high octane encounter. If the Alex are to progress, they need to be taking all three points from encounters like this.
In an uncharacteristically sloppy affair, it was the Alex who took the lead on 32 minutes when a move unfolded down the left flank with Nick Wright beating his man to cut the ball back across the edge of the Barking box. The ball, crossed at some pace eluded the oncoming Rich Black and Olly Miller and was flicked further towards the right flank by Iain Mantell to the point where Mountain and Wardle almost collided such was their passion for the ball.However with Wardle in a better position facing goal to strike, Mountain left the ball for him to strike a low and swerving drive into the far corner.
The Alex were in the lead again, and the question was whether they would capitulate or whether they would be able to grind out the victory.
Barking attacked with renewed vigour, and Riley, Templeman et al fought bravely to retain the lead and at the breack the Alex were happy to go in a goal to the good.
The second half saw an improvement in quality, with The Alex seemingly dominating the match, just unable to capitalise on a number of opportunities. Wardle had a great chance to add to his tally but lost his footing while striking the ball when it was easier to score from 10 yards out, and Mantell flashed a strike wide of the far post.
Barking were growing in confidence, and it paid off when their Emile Heskey esque forward rose at the far post to head home the equaliser from a corner. After defending so well, the Alex's marking was atrocious from that particular set play.
The game descended into a war of attrition, and ultimately it was a fair result, but Alex had chances to win the game, and should look to improve both on their finishing and their defending from set plays.
