Report by Dale Sharp

Romford got back to winning ways again, and once again it’s the cup matches that seem to bring out the best in them. With Scott Doe back after suspension the defence looked stronger and although some passes still went astray, and too many free kicks were conceded just outside our own penalty area, we were the better side on the night; the first half being pretty even but we were much the better side in the last 45 minutes.

The first three minutes saw Romford camped inside the Halstead half but unable to find an opening; then as always, we lost possession, one long ball and Alfie Cleal scores for Halstead. The linesman gave an offside flag, Scott Doe and the defence paused, but the referee waved down the flag stating the ball was last played by a Romford player.

However, Romford came back in the game and came close a couple of times, one notable chance was cleared off the Halstead goal line in the 15th minute, then Camillo Restrepo had a speculative shot which went wide.

The Halstead players and bench were very vociferous and got into the referee’s face every time a decision went against them; as this was quite often as their tackling left a lot to be desired and Romford were being awarded the bulk of the free kicks. Eventually the referee had enough and cautioned Brown of Halstead for his second poor tackle.

Halstead should have done better on 23 minutes but the shot went high and wide. Seconds late Pinto was fouled and Kris Newby’s free kick was headed just wide.

On 26 minutes another Halstead player found his way into the notebook.

On 33 minutes Romford worked the ball neatly into the Halstead penalty area and the ball fell kindly for Camillo Restrepo in the 6 yard box who thumped it past Cherry to even it up at 1-1.

Not much else happened until the 43rd minute when the linesman on the bench side was once again over-ruled by the referee, this time over a throw in; a decision which got Dan Spinks a yellow card.

In the third minute of added time at the end of the first half, Halstead scored from a corner, Robbie Bennett with a point blank header. 2-1 to Halstead at half time.

Emmanuel Robe was cautioned after 53 minutes for a clumsy tackle. From the free kick Jake Anderson made a fine save and a second when the loose ball was hit straight at him; this time he held on to it.

In the 56th minute Kris Newby took a corner from the right which was cleared straight back to Newby whose second cross was headed home by Robe from close range, 2-2.

Kris Newby and a Halstead player were both cautioned following a fracas when Jake Anderson seemed to be thrown to the ground and as usual everybody got involved. From the resulting free kick, the ball was cleared off the Romford goal line.

After 18 minutes of the second half came the turning point when Jake Brown of Halstead was being given his final warning, but then insisted in telling the referee exactly what he thought of him, not once but twice which earned him a straight red; also, a yellow for one of the Halstead management team for protesting too loudly.

On 70 minutes Robe made way for Praise Ogbebor. From the throw in on the half way line the ball was worked to Ogbebor and just 28 seconds after coming he was fouled just inside the box. Newby scored the penalty in off the left-hand post, 3-2. Charlie Morris made way for Lewis Gardener and Camillo made way for Steven Toussant both on 86 minutes.

Pinto then made way for Bradley Mott on 90 minutes.

There was five additional minutes in which both teams could and should have scored; Halstead put the ball into the side netting when it was really easier to score.

The last five minutes belonged to the lads from the Under 19s who showed they played together running the Halstead defence ragged, however right on time Halstead had an open goal but somehow Jake got something on the ball and penalty kicks were avoided.

Romford will now be at home to Buckhurst Hill in the Quarter-Final on a date to be arranged.

Romford: Jake Anderson, Jamie Hursit, Bleron Ademi, Jake Glenister (Tyrese Sibanda 78m), Scott Doe, Liam Boxall, Charlie Morris (Lewis Gardener, 86m), Kris Newby, Emmanuel Robe (Praise Ogbebor, 70m), Adalberto Pinto (Bradley Mott, 90m), Camilo Restrepo (Stephen Toussaint, 86m)