Goals from Pat Ahern and Juwon Akintude condemned Great Wakering Rovers to a 2-0 defeat at Burroughs Park against playoff hopefuls Barking.

The defeat ended the rovers four match unbeaten league run while Barking, who recently had a managerial change secured back-to-back league wins with Craig Edwards now in charge of the blues.

Great Wakering Rovers were trying to put the disappointment of last week's exit of the FA Vase behind them as they were back in league action and look to maintain they push for the top two.

Rovers made six changes from their midweek win against Cannons Wood, with Harrison Topliss, James White, Dominic Locke and Harry Brown returning into the starting eleven.

KICKOFF

Great Wakering Rovers were much on top for the first half and almost could of gone ahead in just a minute. Callum Boylan was played through on goal on the right and squared the ball across goal to Harry Brown. Despite being marked and having his back to goal, he laid off a pass to Ben Search who unfortunately blew his effort just over the bar.

Rovers continued to apply the pressure and looked dangerous with every attempt they made, but the stoic and organised defence of Barking stood their ground to keep the hosts at bay.

Despite all of the phase of play going in the rovers favour, it was Barking who broke the deadlock in the 21st minute. Barking were awarded a free kick on the left twenty yards from goal. Sam Edwards delivered the ball into the box and Pat Ahern managed to get a touch on the ball that spun over George Martin and into the goal.

Rovers continued to be the side to remain on top despite being a goal down, they had most of the play but just couldn't find that killer chance inside their opponent's box.

Two minutes before halftime, Thomas Barton and Teddy Spacey were booked following a disagreement between each other when rovers were awarded a free kick.

HALFTIME: Rovers 0-1 Barking

The second half saw the rovers come out and were much going with the same intensity and work rate like the first half. Barking were having to soak up the pressure as they held on to their slender lead.

Just after the hour mark, rovers were presented a golden opportunity to level a game. A great run from Dominic Locke from the right managed to cut inside of the midfield and played a through ball to Bradleigh Rowland inside the area, and as he burst into the area, he was pushed over by Teddy Spacey and the referee pointed to the spot.

Harry Brown stepped up and saw his penalty brilliantly saved by Dan Purdue low to his right and it didn't seem it was going to be rovers day.

Rovers kept up the pressure but they were punished once again after being caught out on a counter attack by the visitors who doubled their lead.

Five minutes from time, Harrison Topliss limped off and Barking broke on attack after rovers lost possession in the attacking third. A ball through to Juwon Akintude saw him run through on goal and one on one with George Martin. The striker kept his calm before slotting the ball in at the near post to all but confirm victory for the visitors.

Rovers did have one last chance to grab a consolation when a corner was cleared just outside the area to Bradleigh Rowland and he smashed a low dipping shot which Dan Purdue did well to tip the ball over to maintain his clean sheet.

FULLTIME: Rovers 0-2 Barking

Not a day to remember for the rovers but they must shake off this set back as they travel away to Benfleet on Tuesday night in the first round of the Errington Challenge Cup and then have a big league game to prepare for next Saturday as they travel to league leaders Stanway Rovers.