For the second time in three seasons, Romford’s first home Essex Senior League fixture sees Saffron Walden Town come to Mayesbrook Park. The last time was in July 2023 with Boro kicking off the season in fine style, winning 5-1 with Finlay Dorrell scoring a hat-trick to go with goals from Bruno Gomes and Sonny Shilling.

The day after Boro had opened this season’s Essex Senior League campaign with a 4-2 win at West Essex, Saffron Walden were 4-0 winners against Hullbridge Sports to put The Bloods top of the table. Two of Saffron Walden’s goals were scored by former Boro player, Toheeb Elegushi.

Previous Meetings:

Romford and Saffron Walden Town have met twelve times since 1992 with Boro coming out on top eight times and The Bloods winning three times. In Essex Senior League games, Boro have won six and lost two.

Last season saw Boro complete the double, winning 3-1 at Catons Lane in October thanks to goals from Chris Millar, who scored twice, and Jake Gordon. In the return in February, goals from Charlie Morris and Praise Ogbebor secured a 2-1 win; it was the last time that Boro picked up maximum points from a game last season.

In the twelve games between that sides, Romford have netted 30 goals, scoring five on three occasions, with a 5-1 Essex Senior League win in 2003, a 5-2 FA Cup win in 2022, and another 5-1 league victory in 2023.

Finlay Dorrell scores in Boro’s 5-1 win over The Bloods in 2023.

Last Season:

Saffron Walden finished last season in sixth place in the league, nine points adrift of the Play-Off places. They began the season with ex-Boro boss Dan Spinks in charge and with a number of former Romford players in their squad and after an opening day defeat, spent most of the season in contention for a Play-Off place before ultimately falling short.

Dan Spinks parted company with the club during the season and was replaced by his assistant, John Hughes, who remains in charge in 2025-26 with former Boro player Sam Deering as his assistant.

This Season:

Saffron Walden’s pre-season included wins over Kempston Rovers and Dunmow Town, but defeats against Biggleswade United and Cambridge City before they kicked off the league season with the win over Hullbridge Sports mentioned previously.

In the FA Cup, Saffron Walden face Harlow Town this coming Saturday, while in the FA Vase they have received a bye in the First Qualifying Round and will be at home to either Wormley Rovers or Hackney Wick in the Second Qualifying Round.

Included in Saffron Walden’s squad are four former Romford players, Toheeb Elegushi, Keiron Owusu, Sam Deering, and Henry Mabassa.

Match Sponsor:

The sponsors for tomorrow’s game are The Old Gold Royal Blues, and the club are most grateful for their support.

Admission Prices:

A reminder that admission prices this season are:
Adults £10
Concessions £5
Under 16s £2

This week’s Essex Senior League fixtures:

Tuesday 29th July:
7.45pm Athletic Newham v Great Wakering Rovers
7.45pm Basildon United v Benfleet
7.45pm Frenford v Ilford
7.45pm Harwich & Parkeston v Halstead Town
7.45pm Hullbridge Sports v Little Oakley
7.45pm West Essex v Woodford Town

Wednesday 30th July:
7.45pm Buckhurst Hill v Soul Tower Hamlets
7.45pm Romford v Saffron Walden Town
7.45pm Sporting Bengal United v Hackney Wick
7.45pm White Ensign v Barking