Romford (0) 0, Buckhurst Hill (2) 2 – Saturday 4th April 2026 – Essex Senior League

Considering the relative league positions and current form of the two sides, Buckhurst Hill’s victory would have come as no surprise to anyone; what was a surprise, however, was the incredibly muted nature of the proceedings. The visitors dominated possession, but other than their goals created very little. Indeed, their goals apart, they had no other worthwhile shots at goal.

Romford struggled to keep the ball but did manage to create some chances in the first half, but after the break there was little of note, not just from Boro, but from either side. Buckhurst Hill seemed content to retain possession, passing the ball around neatly and picking off Romford’s attempts at forward play, while breaking forward frequently, however Boro’s central defensive partnership of Harry Elsey and Liam Boxall were equal to their threats.

Neither side seemed able to get shots on target in the early stages, with Flynn Hamilton’s fifth minute effort flying over the bar before Brad Davison beat out a shot from The Stags’ Harry Lusher after nine minutes. Christian Adu Gyamfi’s ninth minute shot was deflected wide for a corner as Romford counter attacked and Adu Gyamfi hit the outside of a post with a right foot shot after 19 minutes.

There was then a lull in proceedings before Buckhurst Hill took the lead after 33 minutes. Brad Davison called confidently for a high ball into the Boro penalty area but failed to make a clean catch and the ball ran invitingly for Nathan Sollosi, who rolled the ball into the unguarded net. Greig Stewart went close to levelling the scores, but headed Flynn Hamilton’s corner wide of goal before Buckhurst Hill had the ball in the net again only to have their celebrations cut short by a flag for offside.

Stewart then shot over for Romford before Buckhurst Hill grabbed their second in the first minute of stoppage time, Arthur Massingham converting from close range after a low cross from the right had evaded everyone else.

Christian Adu Gyamfi stooped to meet a cross from Tayo Oyebola – who had replaced the injured Henry Hart after 27 minutes – in the opening minute of the second half, but could not direct his header on target and then Buckhurst Hill went close to extending their lead after 57 minutes when Joe Damrell had to hurry back to clear off the line after a long forward pass had been headed over Davison.

The only remaining chances of note in the remainder of the game fell to the visitors. Massingham had a shot deflected wide after 65 minutes and late in the game Davison did well to deny Sollosi. The game petered out somewhat thereafter, reaching a drab finale that was entirely in keeping with the underwhelming nature of the whole 90 minutes.

Results elsewhere – Athletic Newham won at Basildon United, Frenford surprisingly beat Great Wakering Rovers, while West Essex picked up a point from a draw with SOUL Tower Hamlets – did Romford no favours. The only result that went Romford’s way was Barking’s emphatic victory at Sporting Bengal United, but Boro cannot rely on other teams to get the results they require to avoid the drop to Step 6, and with games running out, points need to be picked up somewhere, starting at Hullbridge Sports next Saturday.

Romford: Bradley Davison, Joe Damrell, Teddy Desmond (Ben Sampayo 86'), Greig Stewart, Liam Boxall, Harry Elsey, Henry Hart (Ibitayo Oyebola 27'), Louis Mathias ( Chris Millar 60'), Christian Adu Gyamfi, Flynn Hamilton (Matthew Price 81'), Darnell Fuller. Unused sub: Manir Hadi

Report: Mike Woods