Heybridge Swifts (3) 3 - 0 (0) ROMFORD Attendance 156

After Romford's narrow home defeat by Witham last Saturday manager Paul Martin made some changes to his starting line-up. Dave Ottley returned at right back with James Ishmail moving inside to partner Matt Toms at centre back. In midfield Tom Richardson replaced Jack Barry and new signing Aime Blessing came in for his debut on the left allowing Kurt Smith to go back to his customary striker role after a brief sabbatical down the left wing. Lewis Francis was also restored to partner Kurt up front.
The early pressure was from Heybridge but it came to nothing. Romford didn't really show until they finally earned their first free kick in the 14th minute after the ref had seemingly been only interested in punishing Boro fouls whilst Swifts were getting away with similar transgressions. From James Ishmail's free kick Kurt Smith was very unlucky after manufacturing a superb overhead kick whilst tightly marked.
Minutes later a Heybridge attack ended with Matt Toms fouling the forward and although spectators nearby thought it had happened outside the box a penalty was awarded and Toms received a yellow card. Michael Cheek made no mistake from the spot but strangely was substituted immediately after as he had apparently been feeling a tight hamstring.
On 31 minutes Heybridge received the first of their four yellow cards and play became end to end with an excellent long shot from Michael Sammut tipped over by the keeper and Heybridge also looking dangerous.
Romford then really lost the match in the last five minutes of the half when after collecting a lucky rebound Russell Malton fired into the corner giving Atu Ngoy no chance, and right on the stroke of half time Luke Callander showed why he is the leading goalscorer in the whole of the Ryman League with a clever turn and shot which allowed Heybridge to leave the field rather flattered with their 3-0 lead.
The second half kicked off with Boro's usual large travelling support still a bit despondent but not the team who showed that whatever happened they were going to make a fight of it. They took the game to Heybridge and had more possession and territorial advantage than their promotion chasing opponents but just could not get back on the scoreline. Jack Barry had subbed Matt Toms at half time and was pushing out of defence whilst Nick Reynolds on for Lewis Francis and Billy Hunt for Aime Blessing showed Romford's intent to throw everything forward. It was all to no avail though with Boro coming nearest through shots by James Ishmail and Paul Clayton in the 53rd and 68th minutes and finally an excellent 88th minute save by the keeper from Michael Sammut. Heybridge for their part always looked very dangerous on the break whilst their defence was well marshalled by ex Dagenham veteran Chris Moore who had first appeared for Swifts 21 years ago. The game ended with Tom Richardson's ridiculous booking for what could only have been sarcasm after the ref ignored a clear foul on him.

HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS 3 CHEEK PEN 15, MALTON 40, CALLANDER 45
ROMFORD 0

ROMFORD: Atu Ngoy, David Ottley, Jamie Dicks, James Ishmail, Matt Toms (Jack Barry), Paul Clayton, Michael Sammut, Tom Richardson, Kurt Smith, Lewis Francis (Nick Reynolds), Aime Blessing (Billy Hunt)

Yellow Cards: Matt Toms (16), Paul Clayton (35), Tom Richardson (89)

Unused Substitutes: Chris Clarke, Alfie Hilton

Match Report by Phil Redwin