Key Points
- Barking FC defeated Hullbridge Sports 4-0 in an Essex Senior League fixture on Saturday, October 4th, 2025, at Mayesbrook Park.
- Sam Edwards scored a hat-trick, including a 50th-minute penalty, a 70th-minute strike, and a 92nd-minute long-range goal.
- Lekan Osideko added the third goal in the 84th minute, tapping into an empty net after a defensive error.
- The first half ended 0-0 despite Barking’s early pressure and a save from Hullbridge goalkeeper Ciaran Gordon-Stearn.
- Barking climbed to fifth in the Essex Senior League table with 74 points from 37 games, while Hullbridge Sports remained 14th with 32 points.
- The match was reported by Trevor Gilbert of Barking FC’s official website, who attributed the win to Barking’s second-half dominance and pressing.
- Attendance was recorded at 54, reflecting the non-league status of the fixture.
What Happened in the First Half?
As reported by Trevor Gilbert of Barking FC, the first half was played under “extremely gusty conditions,” with Barking choosing to play against the wind after losing the toss. Despite the challenging weather, Barking applied early pressure, with Chaka Barnett latching onto a long ball in the fifth minute and attempting to beat Hullbridge goalkeeper Ciaran Gordon-Stearn at his near post. The effort was palmed away, marking the first save of note in the match.
Hullbridge Sports struggled to maintain possession and build attacks, often resorting to passing around their backline, which Gilbert noted was “probably influenced by the wind in their faces”. However, no clear chances were created by either side, and the half ended goalless. Barking’s inability to capitalise on their early momentum was attributed to the adverse conditions and Hullbridge’s compact defensive shape.
How Did Barking Break the Deadlock?
As reported by Trevor Gilbert of Barking FC, Barking took the lead five minutes into the second half after Chaka Barnett was “inexplicably hacked down just inside the box” despite not being in a particularly dangerous position. Sam Edwards stepped up to take the penalty and “powered the ball past Gordon-Stearn’s correct dive to his right,” giving Barking a 1-0 lead and ending their recent penalty woes.
The goal marked the beginning of Barking’s dominance, as their high press began to disrupt Hullbridge’s attempts to play out from the back. Gilbert noted that Hullbridge “simply weren’t good enough” at maintaining possession under pressure, which led to a series of turnovers in dangerous areas.
What Was the Turning Point in the Match?
As reported by Trevor Gilbert of Barking FC, the turning point came in the 70th minute when Sam Edwards scored his second goal, doubling Barking’s lead. Edwards “steered the ball home” after a well-worked team move, showcasing his composure and finishing ability. The goal effectively broke Hullbridge’s resistance and opened the game up for further Barking attacks.
In the 84th minute, Lekan Osideko scored his third goal of the season, tapping into an empty net after a defensive error by Hullbridge. Gilbert described the goal as one Osideko “gratefully tapped” after being presented with a clear opportunity, highlighting the growing confidence within the Barking side.
How Did the Match Conclude?
As reported by Trevor Gilbert of Barking FC, Sam Edwards completed his hat-trick in the 92nd minute with a “piledriver of a shot” from about 25 yards out, which “smacked into the net” and sealed the 4-0 victory. The goal came after Edwards was given “the freedom of Mayesbrook Park,” underscoring Hullbridge’s defensive exhaustion in the closing stages.
The final whistle confirmed Barking’s back-to-back four-goal victories, a feat Gilbert described as “much less dramatic” than their previous outing, referring to a more tense 4-3 win. Barking’s performance was praised for its composure and clinical finishing, particularly in the second half.
What Are the League Implications?
According to the Essex Senior League table as of April 22nd, 2025, Barking FC sit fifth with 74 points from 37 games, having won 23, drawn 5, and lost 9. Their goal difference stands at +30, with 82 goals scored and 52 conceded. Hullbridge Sports, meanwhile, remain 14th with 32 points from 37 games, having won 9, drawn 5, and lost 23, with a goal difference of -28.
The victory strengthens Barking’s position in the upper half of the table, while Hullbridge’s struggles continue in the relegation zone. The result also marks Barking’s second consecutive four-goal win, boosting morale ahead of their next fixture.
Who Were the Key Players?
Sam Edwards was the standout performer, scoring all three of Barking’s goals in the second half, including a penalty and a long-range strike. His hat-trick was widely praised in the match report by Trevor Gilbert, who highlighted Edwards’ “power,” “composure,” and “finishing ability”.
Lekan Osideko also played a crucial role, scoring the third goal and providing a constant threat in attack. Chaka Barnett was instrumental in winning the penalty, drawing a foul inside the box after a determined run. On the defensive side, Barking’s backline held firm despite the windy conditions, with no goals conceded.
For Hullbridge, goalkeeper Ciaran Gordon-Stearn made an early save but was powerless to stop the three goals, particularly Edwards’ long-range effort. The team’s inability to cope with Barking’s press was a recurring theme in the report.
What Did the Match Report Say?
As reported by Trevor Gilbert of Barking FC, the match report titled “HULLBRIDGE STRUCK BY STORM EDWARDS” credited the win to Barking’s second-half dominance and Sam Edwards’ hat-trick. Gilbert noted that the first-half stalemate was due to “windy conditions,” but Barking’s persistence paid off after the break.
He described the penalty as a “gilt-edged opportunity” that Edwards “powered” home, and praised the team’s pressing for disrupting Hullbridge’s build-up play. The report concluded by stating that the victory gave Barking “three points for the Blues” and extended their positive run of form.
