Troubles deepen as Norwich United slip to bottom spot

Norwich United slipped to bottom position – and the sole relegation place – after defeat at Barking coupled with Romford's goalless draw at home to Potters Bar Town.

The Planters got off to the worst possible start when Ben O'Brien bundled home at the far post from a quickly-taken third-minute free-kick on the right.

Adam Hipperson forced a good save from home keeper Chris Clark to preserve the hosts' lead at the break. Andy Wilton made two good saves, but a Kiernan Hughes-Mason free-kick from the left was missed by Kemo Darboe and went through the keeper's legs 11 minutes after the break. Substitute Damon Cooper gave the Planters hope with 17 minutes to go, shooting home from close range for his first goal for the club. But Hughes-Mason sealed the points two minutes from time, beating Wilton to a long ball forward.

Barking: Clark, Tabard, Ramadan (Taylor 85), O'Brien, Benoit, Da Cruz, Monville, Seymour, Darboe (Jones 75), Hughes-Mason (Adeyemi 90), Levett. Subs not used: Peart, Reynolds.

Planters: Wilton, Applegate, Barker, Mackie, Wones, Watts, Pollock (Cooper 69), Jones, Stewart, Jackson (Carey 33), Hipperson. Subs not used: Probert, Haylett.

Referee: Tom Fell. Attendance: 85.