Firstly the issue of Barking and East Hame United and Barking FC. Barking and East Hame United FC were formed in 2001 after the merger of Barking and East Ham United. On June 19th 2006 they folded and Barking reformed for the 2006-2007 season.

Rovers have been fortunate to play both clubs before, so I will separate out previous results against both clubs.

Let's start with Barking and East Ham United FC. Rovers played them 9 times between 2002 and 2006. Rovers record stands at Won 6, drawn 2, lost 1. Goals scored 19, conceded 6. Our biggest win against them came on our first ever game against them on the 24th September 2002 and 10th April 2004, both 4-0 wins. Scorers in our first game were Tommy Delgarno, Mark Hampshire (2) and Paul Sammons.
Our highest attendance came on the 2nd January 2006, a Southern League Division One East match where 151 saw us win 3-1.
Our final game against Barking & East Ham United was also our only defeat against them, a 2-0 away loss in the Southern League. Notable players that day included John Heffer, Iain O'Connell, Steve Butterworth and Neil Richmond.

So now to move on to Barking in their current existence. We actually played them once before they merged with East Ham United, a match played on the 6th February 1996, an Essex Thameside Trophy 2nd Round game which Rovers won 3-2. Paul Flack, Neil Ramsay and Brian Sawyer on the scoresheet.

In total we've played them 6 times, winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 2. We've scored 7 goals, conceding 10.

If we look at the fixture in question, with Barking at home, we have played twice and are yet to win at Mayesbrook Park. Last season saw us lose 2-1 with Ashley Hawkins Rovers scorer on the day.

Tonights match will be just as close, and with both sides having good defensive records this season, we could be in for a shut-out or a solitary goal may win it.