Silcott-Brown Shines But Boro Disappoint

Romford 1, East Thurrock United 3

A late goal from Jaden Silcott-Brown capped a fine performance from the Romford winger, but otherwise this was an evening to forget for Boro against an eager East Thurrock side who made the most of their chances.

East Thurrock went ahead after just 2 minutes when a long ball into the inside left position found Romford exposed and a low shot beat Jake Anderson. The visitors had the majority of the first half play and the best that Romford could muster were a shot from Charlie Morris that rose just over the bar and a header from the same player that the East Thurrock keeper held comfortably.

Former Boro player Jesse Olukolu had a 26th minute shot that cannoned off the angle of bar and post while at the other end, Romford went close when Hassan Nalbant set up Harrison Georgiou for a shot that was just off target. Four minutes before the interval the away side doubled their lead when a delightful chip from the left reached The Rocks’ advancing full back who drove the ball home.

Romford showed more attacking intent after the break and Nalbant scooped a shot over the bar in the early exchanges before being denied by a point blank save from The Rocks’ keeper after Charlie Morris had headed down a cross from Jaden Silcott-Brown, who had earlier been denied a blatant penalty when he was pushed to the ground as he attempted to reach a pass.

It was three after 68 minutes when despite Scott Doe’s appeals for offside, East Thurrock created a shooting opportunity; Anderson parried the initial effort but could not prevent a goal from the follow up.

Doe headed narrowly wide from a corner after 80 minutes before Silcott-Brown bagged the goal he deserved with a low shot, having been picked out by Jacob Wiggins’s excellent crossfield pass.

There was still time for Sonny Shilling to sting the hands of the East Thurrock keeper with a fierce shot, but Boro were unable to reduce the deficit any further, and the visitors were deserved winners over the ninety minutes.

This was Boro’s penultimate pre-season game. The final match before the league season kicks off is on Saturday when Barkingside are the opponents in a game that will be played at the Noak Hill Sports Complex with a 12 noon kick-off.

Romford – Starting XI: Jake Anderson, Henry Hart, Junior Luke, Kris Newby, Freddie Tandon, Michael Turner, Jayden Silcott-Brown, Seedorf Souse-Mendes, Hassan Nalbant, Harrison Georgiou, Charlie Morris. Subs: Scott Doe, Jamie Hursit, Tahib Elegusha, Jacob Wiggins, Sonny Shilling, George Adams.