Boro put an end to Barking’s recent impressive run of form with a thoroughly professional performance despite the handicap of first half red cards to Junior Luke and manager Dan Spinks. By the end, Romford had been reduced to nine players on the pitch as Hassan Nalbant was shown a second yellow card in the eighth minute of stoppage time.

There was a surprise name in the Boro starting line up with the inclusion of Sam Deering, whose only previous appearance was in the Romford – Barking fixture back in August and he made a significant contribution in midfield alongside Ash Siddik, as Boro had to adjust to playing 45 minutes with only ten men. Siddik made a vital tackle in his own penalty area when Barking broke quickly after 34 minutes, running virtually the full length of the pitch to dispossess Luke Hirst

The red cards were major talking points and somewhat overshadow an outstanding Boro performance. Manager Dan Spinks was the first to go, banished from the touchline in the 23rd minute after remonstrating with the referee when no free-kick was forthcoming after Finlay Dorrell had been fouled, less than a minute after he had been shown a yellow. The first half was drawing to an otherwise satisfactory close after Hassan Nalbant’s 38th minute goal when Junior Luke was shown a straight red when, having been fouled, he engaged in a bout of pushing and shoving with his opponent. Players from both sides joined in and referee Rob Davies – clearly a believer that actions speak louder than words – brandished a red card at Luke when many referees would have contented themselves with stern word, or at worst, a caution.

Hassan Nalbant became the second Boro player to see red 53 minutes after the start of the second half when he unwisely wrestled for the ball with a Barking defender after being flagged offside and was shown a second yellow to go with the one he had picked up in similar circumstances twelve minutes before.

Add Jamie Hursit’s caution after a tangle with an opponent that was six of one, half a dozen of the other (the Barking player was not carded), Remi Sutton’s caution for a routine foul on the halfway line, and ex-Boro player Greg Akpele’s booking – supposedly for simulation – just 30 seconds after coming on a second half substitute, and the game ended with a card count completely disproportionate to events.

The cards meted out by referee Davies rather overshadowed what was decent game of football. Barking’s extra man enabled them to have the lion’s share of second half possession, but they created little of note. The home side’s best chances were a shot from Kenedi Dariri in the 66th minute that went over the bar, and a close range effort by Warren Kayembe that was cleared off the line after he had met Greg Akepele’s low cross. Luke Hirst had shots in each half for Barking that went across the face of goal, but in front of goal, Boro were much more incisive.

Romford could have been in front as early as the 11th minute. Charlie Morris’s quick throw sent Sam Deering on his way and his low cross was met by Finlay Dorrell who put the ball over from eight yards, but after 38 minutes, Hassan Nalbant put Boro ahead. Junior Luke’s throw was only partially cleared and Boro’s leading scorer powered a shot home from the right hand side of the penalty area. Ash Siddik – who had missed a decent opportunity after 56 minutes – doubled Boro’s lead in the 64th minute when he ran onto Nalbant’s header and fired a low shot past Dan Purdue.

Post-match conversations should have centred on a terrific Boro display and three important points won; instead, we sadly find that the performance of the referee – who preferred waving cards around over engaging with people – dominates.

Romford: Jake Anderson, Junior Luke, Daniel Nakipov-Getmansky, Remi Sutton, Kris Newby, Scott Doe, Ashaan Siddik (Amaree Robinson-Jones, 90m), Charlie Morris (Jacob Wiggins, 82m), Hassan Nalbant, Sam Deering, Finlay Dorrell (Jamie Hursit, 46m). Unused subs: Toheeb Elegushi, Jaiden Babalola.

Report: Mike Woods