To round off this series featuring the clubs entering the Essex Senior League in 2025-26, we look at SOUL Tower Hamlets FC, another club that Romford have not previously played in a league fixture.

SOUL Tower Hamlets were formed in 2000 as Bethnal Green United and played in several leagues, including the London Intermediate League before joining the Middlesex County League. They were granted Senior status after winning that league's Premier Division in 2009 and were promoted to the Essex Senior League. They finished fifth in their debut season and won the League Cup, beating Burnham Ramblers 4-1 in the Final.

In 2013 the club were renamed Tower Hamlets FC and continued playing in the Essex Senior League until 2020 when, having moved South of the Thames to play at Phoenix Sports' ground, they were transferred to the Premier Division of the Southern Counties East League.

After relegation to Step 6 and having moved to play at The Mile End Stadium, the club were placed in the Thurlow Nunn League Division One South in 2022 and in advance of the 2024-25 season, they merged with Soul FC and were transferred back to the Southern Counties East League.

Last season saw the newly named SOUL Tower Hamlets FC finish second in the table, pipped to the title on goal difference by Faversham Strike Force. In the Play-Offs, they thumped Sheppey Sports 5-0 in the Semi-Final and then beat Forest Hill Park on penalties in the Final to earn promotion and return to the Essex Senior League.

A number of players with Boro connections played for SOUL Tower Hamlets last season, including Sheri Artmeladze, Ash Siddik, and Steve Carvell.

Previous Meetings:

Romford have not met Tower Hamlets – nor Bethnal Green United – in competitive matches at First Team level, but there have been a couple of previous meetings.

In a friendly played at Fords in Newbury Park in July 2013, Romford beat Tower Hamlets 3-0 with Afful, Smith, and Richardson the scorers. In 2018, Romford’s Under 18 side met Tower Hamlets at the Mile End Stadium in an FA Youth Cup tie which Boro won 1-0 with a late goal.

Home Ground and How To Get There:

SOUL Tower Hamlets share with Sporting Bengal United at The Mile End Stadium, the address of which is Rhodeswell Road, E14 7TW. Boro supporters who have been there before will recall that the stadium is accessed through the leisure centre entrance and that there are very limited facilities for food and drink. In the absence of a licenced bar at the ground, The Wentworth Arms in Eric Street is right by Mile End Station for fans wanting a pint before or after the game.

The only covered accommodation is the large main stand, which at least affords a decent view of proceedings across the running track.

There is a paid car park near the stadium, which closes at 10:30pm on matchdays. There are no restrictions after 5.30pm on weekdays and all day on Saturday for FREE street parking, but please do check the signs before parking.

By public transport, Mile End Station on the Central and District Lines is half a mile away, and Limehouse - on the Fenchurch Street line DLR - is just under a mile away.