Manager Simon Thomas was on hand to fire home the winning spot kick which saw Catholic United through to the next round of the Essex Premier Cup after a hard fought game at Barking Under 23.

The match, great for the neutral, saw a well competed first half end 0-0, with United having the greater possession and chances. Barking U23 had the best chance of the half though, with Woody Wells pulling off a great reaction save to push the ball out for a corner.

The opening goal came five minutes from the restart, the Barking forward breaking quickly to slot past Woody Wells.

The goal was enough to spark Catholic into a reaction and within five minutes found themselves level. Lucas Polyblank's deep cross found Pat Kearney who's header made the keeper parry the ball, but only into the path of the on-rushing James Warder who forced the ball home.

Catholic pushed forward but the Barking U23 keeper was seemingly stopping everything and ensured he kept his side in the game as it was taken into injury time.
In the first half of extra time, Warder and Joe O'Kane went close but it was Barking who went ahead, with just 6 minutes remaining.

With the second half of extra time underway, Catholic pushed men forward and finally managed to get the ball in the net as Mike Sammut stepped forward to side foot home as the young Barking keeper, having a wonderful game as Joe O'Kane's shot was parried into the Catholic captain's path.

The game entered penalties, which at 4-4, Woody Wells having made a save at 4-4 and the Barking player firing over, left manager Simon Thomas, on for the final 10 minutes of extra time, placed the ball past the keeper to secure a tough victory for the Essex Bhoys.

Thomas admitted "it was a tough game and they are going great guns at the moment too this season. I was pleased we were creating good chances but their keeper pulled off some at least half a dozen top saves to keep them in it. We're happy we've made it into the next round but we certainly made it hard for ourselves. All credit to the Barking U23 squad. Best wishes to them for their season".