Blues set for Hadley double-header

15 July 2010

BARKING FC have drawn Hadley in the extra preliminary round of the FA Cup, but will get a chance to size up their opponents long before the magic of the Cup begins on August 14, writes Rob Hendry.

In a stroke of fate, the Blues play their first pre-season friendly at Hadley on July 17, and boss Steve Munday believes it offers the perfect preparation for a cup campaign Barking will not be taking lightly.

"We'll both get a chance to size each other up, and it's certainly a good way to have an early look at them, though I don't know what kind of side they'll put out," Munday said.

"You can never tell how far you can get in the Cup, but we'll be giving it everything, especially with a tasty local derby with Redbridge on offer if we get through."

Munday has his own special Cup memories, remarkably reaching the first round proper of the competition with Ford United in 1998, eventually losing 3-0 at Preston.

"That was an incredible time, and if we can do even half as well as that, the prize money for the club will be brilliant."

Barking will also be competing in the FA Vase, where they will travel to Biggleswade United on September 18, but it's the club's first foray into the FA Youth Cup in September that has got Munday really excited.

"We've got some great youngsters here, including Ben O'Brien and a Polish lad, Davide Baranowski, who we have high hopes for so it's brilliant for them to have a platform now."

After kicking off their pre-season at Hadley, the senior side travel to Norwich United on July 24, before facing Brentwood Town at home three days later, with Thurrock the final friendly confirmed at Mayesbrook Park the following Saturday.