Boro Overcome Stubborn Stags

Romford (0) 1, Buckhurst Hill (0) 0
Essex Senior League – Wednesday 2nd August 2023

It took a late goal from Sonny Shilling to see off a resilient Buckhurst Hill side and return Boro to the top of the table. Having lost 1-0 to a late goal in their previous game against Barking, The Stags must be glad not to have to visit Mayesbrook Park again after this evening, having lost after putting in a stubborn display against Boro, for whom this was at times a frustrating evening.

Romford were on the wrong end of some very tight offside calls in the first half, and Boro boss Dan Spinks found his way into referee Alistair Potter’s book for speaking out of turn when one particular decision went against his team.

Chances were relatively few in the opening exchanges. When a corner was only partially cleared Michael Turner found himself in space on the edge of the box, and having been found by a good pass from the left, half-volleyed over the bar.

Finlay Dorrell capitalised on Junior Luke’s quick throw only to see his shot blocked, and from the loose ball Jayden Silcott-Brown shot wide after 16 minutes, and ten minutes later Kris Newby found himself with a sight of goal but he too shot wide. Thirty-one minutes in and Dorrell was well found on the left, but although he was able to round the keeper, was driven wide and his ball in from an acute angle was cleared.

Buckhurst Hill won a number of corners in the first half against which Boro defended well, and after 32 minutes Jesse Manjaray fired a low shot just wide, but they were the closest to scoring when awarded a somewhat soft free-kick on the edge of the Romford penalty area shortly after that. Henry Clark curved his shot over the Boro wall and onto the crossbar before Romford cleared.

Finlay Dorrell forced the only save of note from either keeper after 42 minutes when, despite the desperate attentions of a Buckhurst Hill defender, he managed to get in a low shot that Alex Reed parried.

With the wind and rain at their backs, Boro had the lion’s share of second half possession, but a heavy touch here and an overhit pass there were a frequent source of frustration resulting in a lack of clear cut chances.

Kris Newby and The Stags’ Manjaray were booked for a tussle over possession of the ball after it had gone out for a Boro throw, and the first real chance of the second half fell to the visitors after 50 minutes, but Alfie Morris shot wide.

Sonny Shilling had a low shot comfortably saved by Reed after 57 minutes, and after 77 minutes he set up Harrison Georgiou for a shot that was blocked for a corner from which Scott Doe headed wide when well placed.

After 85 minutes, Boro’s frustration eased with what proved to be the winning goal. Henry Hart – whose frequent incursions down the right wing exasperatingly delivered less than they promised – won a throw deep in Buckhurst Hill territory. Junior Luke hoisted his throw to the near post where Michael Turner’s touch gave Sonny Shilling the opportunity to score from close range.

Hassan Nalbant – who had replaced Bruno Gomes at half-time – shot straight at Reed in the penultimate minute of normal time, and after a shorter period of stoppage time than might have been anticipated, the final whistle blew to end an evening in which Boro were ultimately rewarded for their patience.

Romford: Jake Anderson, Henry Hart, Junior Luke, Kris Newby, Michael Turner, Scott Doe, Jayden Silcott-Brown (Harrison Georgiou, 69m), Jacob Wiggins (Seedorf Mendes, 53m), Bruno Gomes (Hassan Nalbant, 46m), Sonny Shilling (Lee Hursit, 90m), Finlay Dorrell (Jamie Hursit, 85m)