A late goal from the penalty spot by Craig Parker won this game for table toppers Sudbury after they were made to fight hard by bottom side Barkingside.
The win keeps Jamie Godbold’s side ten points ahead of second placed Harlow Town who won their game against promotion chasers Thurrock.
Godbold made two changes from the side that started the previous two games. In came Ross Bailey and Joe Maybanks for Jack Newman and George Clarke who were named amongst the substitutes. After missing three games through unavailability striker Luke Callander returned and was also on the bench.
It was a frustrating afternoon in front of goal for Sudbury. They found the Barkingside defence in fine form and their keeper Darren Behcet made several good saves, his first as early as the third minute when he denied Jordan Blackwell with a diving save at the expense of a corner which came to nothing. And then James Baker slid the ball wide after Parker had flicked on a cross by Maybanks.
Parker did get the ball into the Barkingside net with a fine finish but the effort was ruled out as the referee had awarded a free kick just outside the box when an advantage would have been a better option.
Barkingside had their moments and a good chance fell to George Lataaya but he failed to hit the target with a shot on the turn from eight yards.

Half time: AFC Sudbury 0 Barkingside 0

The second half followed a similar pattern with Sudbury having the majority of the play but the Barkingside defence held firm and keeper Behcet kept them in the contest with a point blank save to deny Parker from a Maybanks cross.

With Sudbury doing most of the pressing Barkingside enjoyed the occasional counter attack but they got little change out of a solid home defence and keeper Marcus Garnham was not seriously tested as he kept another clean sheet.

It began to look as if was not going to be Sudbury’s day in front of goal but they were handed a lifeline 12 minutes from time when they were awarded a penalty after a foul on Maybanks who appeared to be going nowhere.

Craig Parker cooly slotted home the spot kick to clinch victory for his team and complete the league double over the Essex side.

Attendance: 239

Pat Arbon