They began the match kicking uphill on the Wodson Park slope that had required considerable work to make it playable and exerted some early pressure on the home team, forcing three corners in the first ten minutes. Both sides were finding it more productive to play down the wings with Boro's build up play giving them most of the possession whilst Ware were content to try and hit their speedy strikers with long balls into the corners on the break. After twenty six minutes Ernest Okoh got away from his marker and was tripped just inside the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Carlos Djalo stepped up confidently and sent the Ware keeper the wrong way to give Boro the lead. The hosts tried to respond immediately with a flurry of attacks which did not unduly trouble Rob Budd in the Romford goal before the visitors gradually got back on top as half time approached.

The second period opened with Romford finding it easier to attack at speed down the slope and Djalo cut in from the left to test the Ware keeper on the near post with a rasping drive. After fifty three minutes a cross from the right provoked Boro appeals for handball that were waved away, but a Ware defender only managed to half clear the ball and it dropped perfectly to the advancing Danny Cossington who from thirty yards hit it straight back on the half volley over the keeper who was off his line, for a spectacular goal. While Romford supporters were still celebrating they probably still had in the back of their minds the series of unfortunate incidents that have dogged them over the years at Wodson Park and sure enough only a few minutes later Budd came out to collect a high ball but collided with centre back Tom Potter and could not continue. There was no specialist keeper on the bench but striker Nick Reynolds has deputised on many occasions and always proved more than capable between the sticks so there were no qualms as he donned the jersey. Paul Martin made the necessary substitutions and tactical changes and for the final half hour or so the Boro defence were able to restrict the Ware forwards to crosses into the goalmouth that Reynolds fielded confidently. He cleared a goalmouth scramble with a mighty punt downfield and did not actually have to save a direct shot on goal, whilst Romford went closer to increasing their lead through a Djalo free kick that went narrowly wide.

The two goal advantage was looking comfortable but Romford's expert physio Katie Thwaites had been called onto the pitch to treat a number of injuries and everybody was nervously anticipating a lengthy period of added time, so it was a great relief to the travelling contingent when the final whistle came earlier than expected and they were able to celebrate victory. Although still at the foot of the table, they are now only three points behind Norwich United and the midweek clash between the two at Ship Lane has now become a crucial six pointer.

WARE (0) 0
ROMFORD (1) 2 CARLOS DJALO 26 PEN, DANNY COSSINGTON 53

Romford: Rob Budd (Chiduben Onokwai 56), Jonathon Nzengo, Sam Mvemba, Tom Potter, Nathan Okoye, Danny Cossington (c), Ayo Olukoga, Chris Taylor, Nick Reynolds, Carlos Djalo (Kwasi Marfo 82), Ernest Okoh (Greg Akpele 76)
Unused Subs: Mario Gjini, Kai Heather

Yellow Cards: Carlos Djalo 45, Nick Reynolds 49