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FC Clacton v Romford Preview
Boro return to cup tie action – weather permitting!
Since the start of November and the move to Rookery Hill, Boro have played 13 out of 16 games at home. From tomorrow, the next seven games are all away, starting with a visit to FC Clacton in the 2nd Round of the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy.
Given the amount of rain in the last couple of days - Romford FC Women’s home game against Colchester United at Rookery Hill yesterday was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch – a pitch inspection tomorrow must be likely. Keep an eye on social media for updates, including on the club’s new WhatsApp channel which you can follow by going to this link:
Hassan Nalbant’s goal gave Boro a 1-0 win over Tilbury in the First Round of the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy at Rookery Hill last week, while FC Clacton received a bye to this stage. Nalbant was again on target - twice - at the weekend as Boro beat West Essex by the odd goal in seven, while The Seasiders went down 3-2 at Frenford. Clacton began the season with just one win in their first five competitive fixtures and have won just eight times since. Their recent form has seen them win only twice in their last ten games, with both victories coming against Coggeshall Town, once in the Errington Challenge Cup, and once in the league.
Romford and FC Clacton have met twice already this season with Romford coming out on top in both Essex Senior League encounters. Back in September, Romford ran out 4-1 winners at Mayesbrook Park with Hassan Nalbant scoring three, including the penalty he can be seen taking below. George Cox got the other one.
In the return at Clacton a week before Christmas, Boro won 3-1 thanks to goals from Finlay Dorrell, Amaree Robinson-Jones (pictured below), and Malaki Toussaint.
In all, Romford have met FC Clacton six times since 1992 (including one game when they were known as Clacton Town), and have won two, drawn one, and lost three.
Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy:
Last Season:
The competition was won last season by Redbridge, who beat FC Clacton 1-0 in the Final played at Takeley. FC Clacton had put Boro out at the Semi-Final stage, having won 3-2 at Mayesbrook Park.
This season’s competition:
First Round:
Stanway Rovers 2, Halstead Town 0
Saffron Walden Town 2, Frenford 0
Buckhurst Hill v Great Wakering Rovers 20th February
Romford 1, Tilbury 0
Second Round:
Woodford Town 1, Little Oakley 1 Woodford Town won 5-4 on penalties
Sporting Bengal United 1, Takeley 0
West Essex 0, Hullbridge Sports 1
Coggeshall Town 0, Barking 1
Ilford v Buckhurst Hill or Great Wakering Rovers
FC Clacton v Romford 20th February
White Ensign v Stanway Rovers 21st February
Athletic Newham v Saffron Walden Town 21st February
If the scores are level at the end of 90 minutes tomorrow, a penalty shoot-out will be used to determine the winner.
Home Ground and How to Get There:
FC Clacton play their home games at The Austin Arena, Rush Green Road, Clacton on Sea, CO16 7BQ. By road that’s 62 miles and 90 minutes from Romford, although delays are likely due to narrow lanes and speed restrictions through the roadworks. By public transport, the nearest station is Clacton-on-Sea, which is about a mile and a half away (half an hour’s walk). Alternatively, a number of bus routes (74, 5, 5A, 4 and X76) pass near the ground. Unfortunately, the last train to London leaves Clacton at 22.05 on Tuesday evening, so a return trip by public transport is not practicable.
Admission prices at Clacton are:
Adults £8
Concessions £5
U18s £3
Programmes are £1.50
This week’s fixtures involving Essex Senior League clubs:
Tuesday 20th Halstead Town v Tilbury Premier Division
Tuesday 20th Buckhurst Hill v Great Wakering Rovers Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy
Tuesday 20th FC Clacton v Romford Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy
Wednesday 21st Athletic Newham v Saffron Walden Town Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy
Wednesday 21st White Ensign v Stanway Rovers Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy
Friday 23rd Woodford Town v Little Oakley Premier Division