Halstead Town (0) 1, Romford (0) 1 – Saturday 29th November 2025 – Essex Senior League

At the end of an enthralling 90 minutes, Boro left Halstead with a point, which was the very least they deserved.

Romford had the lion’s share of first half possession but were unable to turn it into a goal, although Gabriel Ipanga and Rhian Fowler both went close. Ipanga had a shooting opportunity in the very first minute when his low shot was pushed out by Halstead keeper Jack Cherry, who was beaten by Rhian Fowler’s follow up effort, but to Boro’s despair, the shot – which might otherwise have found the top corner – was headed over the bar by a defender.

Halstead went close after eight minutes when Kane Munday’s dangerous cross from the left was turned wide by Robbie Bennett, but the Boro back line dealt admirably with the home side’s frequent long, high balls forward with Harry Elsey and Nick Reynolds quick to return them upfield. Both Boro central defenders went in the referee Chay Saggers’ book however, Elsey for simulation at the end of the first half and Reynolds for a foul nine minutes from the end of the second period.

Another Munday cross from the left caused Boro problems after 24 minutes, but Billy Jamison headed over and as the half drew to a close, Flynn Hamilton latched onto Teddy Desmond’s throw-in but shot wide, and in the last minute, Ipanga found space on the left and cut in but Cherry was able to kick away his shot which lacked power.

Within a minute of the restart, Boro were ahead. A good interchange between Louis Mathias, Ryan Sammons, and George Cornwell on the right gave Cornwell time and space to deliver a low cross which found Christian Adu Gyamfi, who turned and fired a shot beyond Cherry’s left hand. It was no more than Boro deserved.

Halstead continued with their tactic of launching long, high balls in the direction of the Romford goal but the Boro backline continued to hold firm until Kane Gilbert – who makes a habit of scoring against Boro – equalised after 61 minutes. Munday’s corner from the right was flicked on by Marc Holland and Gilbert bundled it in at the far post.

Boro had a lucky escape after 76 minutes when, from Brad Davison’s save, the ball ran loose but the onrushing Halstead player’s effort struck the bar, and three minutes later, Boro were relieved to see the assistant’s flag raised for offside after Davison had pushed out a shot and the loose ball was placed into the net.

Although Romford continued to enjoy good possession, clear cut chances were at a premium and as the game entered stoppage time the home side again went close to a winner as Fraser Bull’s ball in from the right was met by Gilbert, but Harry Elsey diverted it over the bar.

Halstead is never an easy place to get a result and Boro can be pleased with their afternoon’s work and the point earned.

Romford: Bradley Davison, Ryan Sammons, Teddy Desmond, Harry Elsey, Nick Reynolds, Rhian Fowler, George Cornwell, Louis Mathias (Greig Stewart 66'), Christian Adu Gyamfi (Lewis Browne 66'), Flynn Hamilton, Gabriel Ipanga (Dhillon Sandhu-Nelson 83’). Unused subs: Makhi Johnson, Kunle Adeyemi

Report by Mike Woods