In March 2009 Romford featured in the last Essex Thames-side Trophy game to be played before the start of this season. On that occasion Boro won 3-2 in a thrilling game against Great Wakering Rovers after trailing 2-0 with less than ten minutes remaining. Alas, as was so often its fate, the competition was not completed that season, and the magnificent trophy - a silver galleon (pictured) - has not been played for since.

The first game in this season's competition was played on 11 September when Hashtag United played Brentwood Town, one of four first round ties, albeit that one of those (Canvey Island v Hullbridge Sports) has yet to be played.

Results in the competition, and games yet to be played are as follows:

ETT - First Round
Barkingside 1, Basildon United 4
Great Wakering Rovers 4, Ilford 0
Hashtag United 0, Brentwood Town 2
Canvey Island v Hullbridge Sports

Second Round

East Thurrock United vs Great Wakering Rovers
May & Baker Eastbrook Community vs Romford
Tilbury vs Brentwood Town
Buckhurst Hill vs Walthamstow
White Ensign vs Basildon United
Grays Athletic vs Bowers & Pitsea
Concord Rangers vs Aveley
Canvey Island/Hullbridge Sports vs Hornchurch

Unsurprisingly, this Essex Thames-side Trophy game is the first time we have met May & Baker Eastbrook Community who were formed as plain old May & Baker, adding the Eastbrook Community suffix in 2014. Ironically, since this was supposed to reflect the area of Dagenham with which they are associated, in recent years they have moved from their original home at the May & Baker Sports Ground near Dagenham East, first to Barking RFC's ground in Gale Street, and this season to Aveley's Parkside ground. These moves have been necessary in order for the club to gain promotion to the Thurlow Nunn Division One South, in which they are now competing for a second season.

Last season, May & Baker finished eighth in the league and reached the Second Round of the FA Vase, losing 1-0 at home to Swaffham Town after victories over Burnham Ramblers, Saffron Walden Town, and North Greenford United. So far this season May & Baker sit 13th in the table, having won 5 and lost 6 of their 11 league games, in their most recent of which, they beat Barkingside 4-0 at Cricklefield last Friday.

Finally, just to repeat, tomorrow's game will be played at Parkside, home of Aveley FC, our third visit for a first team game this season (plus one FA Youth Cup tie). And there are two more visits still to go!