VCD Athletic 6 (2) - (0) 0 ROMFORD Attendance 205 - Oakwood

A 4th minute free header by Payne put VCD in the driving seat in what was a massive match for them, lying one point behind Witham in the race for automatic promotion but the majority of the first half was a surprisingly low key affair with Romford competing well in midfield but not being able to create much up front, and the home team only coming close twice with Aaron Omand saving well after a corner and Power lobbing the keeper but hitting the crossbar.
In the 29th minute after a good run down the right, Dave Ottley's pulled back cross eluded everybody in the area before reaching George Woodward who could only fire over but then in the 38th minute a very soft looking penalty conceded by Jamie Dicks was converted efficiently by Power to put VCD two up.
Romford thought they had found a way back into the match just before the half time but a disgraceful decision by the officials ruled out a perfectly fair headed goal by Nick Reynolds when the only person trying to commit a foul was the keeper who had completely misjudged his aerial challenge on the Boro striker.
After the break it was mostly one way traffic as Boro's squad now stretched to the limit by injuries and suspensions fought a damage limitation exercise against a skilful and probably expensively assembled team who were able to bring on big name substitute strikers Stanley and Brayley whilst Romford went down to ten men for the final 15 minutes after George Woodward's injury.
VCD completed their leap from Kent Senior League to Ryman Premier with Power completing his hat trick in the 57th and 67th minutes and further goals from Carpenter in the 71st and Brayley on full time.

VCD (2) 6 PAYNE, POWER 3 (1 pen), CARPENTER, BRAYLEY

ROMFORD (0) 0

ROMFORD: AARON OMAND, DAVID OTTLEY, GEORGE WOODWARD, JACK BARRY (c), SCOTT TRUMAN, PAUL CLAYTON, JAMIE DICKS (JOE OATES 65), JAMES ISHMAIL, NICK REYNOLDS (REECE TRANTER 73), RYAN IMBERT, TOM RICHARDSON (JORDAN THOMAS 73)
UNUSED SUB: GARY REDWIN

YELLOW CARD: JAMIE DICKS 46

Match Report by Phil Redwin