After the excitement of Saturday’s FA Vase win at North Greenford United and yesterday’s Semi-Final draw, it’s a return to Essex Senior League action for Boro tomorrow evening with a short trip to Buckhurst Hill.

This game has been postponed twice already this season. The original date back in December clashed with Boro’s FA Vase tie against Mildenhall Town, and when the game was rearranged for early January, the weather intervened and the match was called off. Although Buckhurst Hill played at home on Saturday, the rain we have had since suggests that it’s going to be worth keeping an eye on social media for news of any pitch inspections.

Buckhurst Hill are in their second season in the Essex Senior League following their elevation from the Thurlow Nunn League Division One South. Having finished runners-up to Ipswich Wanderers at the end of the 2021-22 season, the were beaten in the Play-Off Final by Halstead Town, seemingly missing out on promotion, but the usual reorganisation and reshuffles within the National League System opened up an extra place at Step 5 and The Stags were promoted.

Previous Meetings:

Romford have now met Buckhurst Hill on four occasions with Boro winning three and losing once. The first meeting was way back in August 2023 and is so far the only one played on Buckhurst Hill’s turf. That was the opening day of the Essex Senior League season and Boro won 2-1 thanks to two goals from Eman Robe. The return at Mayesbrook Park went The Stags’ way as two goals apiece from Hassan Nalbant and Sonny Shilling gave them a 4-0 win. Last season there was also a Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy tie played at Barking which Boro won 5-1; Finlay Dorrell netted twice as did Scott Doe, while Charlie Morris got the other. In a tightly fought game at the start of this season Boro had to wait until the 85th minute to secure a 1-0 win in a game played at Barking; Sonny Shilling scored.

Last Season:

Buckhurst Hill’s first season in the Essex Senior League ended with them finishing in 17th place with 39 points from 38 games. It was also the club’s debut season in the FA Cup and they shocked Step 4 side Walthamstow by winning their Extra-Preliminary Round tie 2-1; they then beat Stansted (in a replay) before exiting at Waltham Abbey. In the FA Vase they were exempt until the First Round, reward for having reached the Third Round the previous season, but having beaten Basildon Town on penalties, they were eliminated at Lakenheath.

This Season:

Currently fifteenth with 32 points from 29 games, Buckhurst Hill have yet to draw at home having won seven of their thirteen home league games and lost the other six. They began the season with two 1-0 defeats, against Barking and then against Boro, conceding late in each game. It wasn’t until early September that they recorded their first league win, beating Ilford 3-1 at home.

Having begun 2024 with wins over Frenford and West Essex, Buckhurst Hill then lost six on the trot in all competitions before picking up three points on Saturday when they beat Takeley 2-0.

In the FA Cup, having beaten Brantham Athletic in an Extra-Preliminary Round replay, they then went out to Northwood, while in the FA Vase, a 1st Qualifying Round win over FC Romania was followed by a 4-3 defeat at Great Wakering Rovers. They had a good run in the Essex Senior Cup, beating Holland FC, Barking, Waltham Abbey, and Canvey Island before losing at Colchester United in the Quarter Final.

Home Ground and How to Get There:

The club’s ground is Myrak Park, which is in Roding Lane, Buckhurst Hill, IG9 6BJ and by car is just 25 minutes from Romford. The ground has a large car park, but dogs are not allowed.

By public transport, the nearest station is Buckhurst Hill on the Central Line, from where it is a walk of about 10 minutes.

Admission Prices:
£8 adults
£5 concessions
£2 child
U12s free