Boro’s 2023 programme begins tomorrow with a trip over the Essex border into Hertfordshire to play Sawbridgeworth Town. Steve Butterworth’s men will be looking to build on the 2-0 win over Barking in the last game played before Christmas, and a win tomorrow could see Boro climb a couple of places.

The home game against tomorrow’s opponents was postponed due to a snowbound Mayesbrook Park pitch, and the weather may yet intervene in tomorrow’s fixture, so keep an eye on this website and social media for news of any pitch inspections. The forecast for the Sawbridgeworth area is dry today (Friday), but for heavy rain on Saturday.

Brief History:

Sawbridgeworth Town Football Club was formed in 1897 by members of Sawbridgeworth Cricket Club, playing in the Stortford League and having headquarters in the White Lion Hotel in the centre of town.

The club moved to its present ground in 1930, and after World War Two, they joined the Spartan League but soon reverted to the Stortford League.

Sawbo joined the Essex Senior League in 1975, and have been members ever since. The club’s best season in the ESL came in 1992-93 when they finished runners-up to Canvey Island, and in 1994-95 they won the Essex Senior League Cup, beating Stansted 2-0 in the final, having beaten Boro on penalties in the Semi-Final. They have reached the Final on five occasions since, most recently in 2018, but have been beaten each time.

Since finishing eight in 2018, Sawbo have struggled in the last two completed seasons, finishing 18th and 19th.

Romford have met Sawbridgeworth 31 times since 1992, with 22 of those games being Essex Senior League fixtures, of which Romford have won eleven to Sawbo’s five. The first meeting between the clubs was in 1992 when a crowd of 207 at Hornchurch Stadium saw a 2-2 draw.

In Boro’s early ESL seasons there were two League Cup Semi-Finals against Sawbridgeworth. In 1994 the first leg ended 1-0 to Sawbridgeworth, but the second leg was not played when it was discovered that Boro had fielded an ineligible player. Then in 1995, the two-legged Semi-Final ended all square on aggregate, with the second leg being abandoned in extra-time after a serious injury to Boro’s Peter Johns. Sawbo won the replay on penalties.

The last Essex Senior League games between Romford and Sawbridgeworth were in Boro’s promotion season, 2008-09. Romford won 3-0 at home and drew 2-2 away. The most recent competitive fixture between the sides was the 2020 FA Cup Extra-Preliminary Round game at Crofters End which ended with Sawbridgeworth pulling off a surprise, but not undeserved 2-1 win.

A friendly at the start of last season - played at Crofters End in sweltering conditions - ended in a 1-1 draw.

L’Heureux Menga chests home Jesse Olukolu’s cross for Boro’s goal (Picture: Alan Blackholly)

Last Season:

Sawbridgeworth had a hard time of it last season and finished third from bottom, just two points ahead of St Margaretsbury, who were relegated along with bottom club Sporting Bengal United. Sawbo’s Step 5 status was only assured on the last day of the season when they beat West Essex 4-1 while St Margaretsbury were losing at Redbridge.

This Season:

It’s been a mixed bag for Sawbridgeworth this season and they currently occupy 18th place, three points behind Boro but having played four games more. They have managed four wins, but suffered nine defeats in the nineteen league games they have played to date. Their recent form has seen them collect just three points from their last twelve games. Those draws were drew 0-0 at home with Halstead Town, 1-1 at Takeley, and in their most recent game in which they picked up a decent point in a 1-1 draw at West Essex.

In the FA Cup they fell at the first hurdle, beaten 4-1 at Ilford, but were more successful in the FA Vase, beating St Margaretsbury (on penalties), and Halstead Town before losing in a penalty shoot-out at Woodford Town where they had recovered from a 3-0 deficit to draw 3-3 at the end of 90 minutes.

Home Ground and How to Get There:

Sawbridgeworth’s home ground is Crofters End, Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire, CM21 0DE

It’s a straightforward trip by road, being 36 miles from Romford. Take the M11 to Junction 7, then the A414 towards Harlow and go through 4 roundabouts.

At the 5th roundabout, take the 3rd exit for the A1184 to Sawbridgeworth. When reaching double mini roundabouts turn left into West Road and first right into Crofters End where at the end the ground will be facing you. Car parking is available at the ground and in adjacent side streets.

Alternatively, there is a new junction – 7A – on the M11 between Harlow and Stansted Airport. From junction 7A, take the A1025 and leave the next roundabout at the second exit onto the B183. Follow Lower Sheering Road before turning left into Station Road, then turn right onto the B1184, London Road and then immediately turn left into West Road.

By public transport, the nearest station is Sawbridgeworth on the line from Liverpool Street to Bishop’s Stortford. The ground is a 20 minute walk from the station, however, industrial action on the railways means that this route is not viable on Saturday.

Admission Prices:

Adults £7
Concessions £4
Under 16s Free