Romford 1, Great Wakering Rovers 4

Romford boss Paul Martin made wholesale changes after last week's FA Cup defeat at Barton Rovers, but the outcome was depressingly familiar as Boro conceded four for the fourth time in five games. After just four minutes, Boro keeper Harry Aldridge was called into action when he tipped a fierce header over the bar, but he seemed to lose sight of the ball in the sun as Jack Stevenson's apparently harmless free-kick from the right flank went in at the near post five minutes later.

One of Martin's new signings, Inesh Sumithran - formerly with Lewes - levelled the scores from the penalty spot after 17 minutes. Rashaas Ogun was involved in a good move down the right with Reece Tranter that ended with Tranter being brought down. Sumithran stepped up and sent Mason the wrong way from the spot, but parity lasted just seven minutes as Rovers full-back Hay ran unchallenged before being allowed to cross for Jake Gordon to score from close range.

A good cross by another Boro new boy, Charlie Little, was just too far in front of Ogun, and Little was involved again when he picked up a fine pass from Danny Cossington to set up Nathan Tabora, but the French midfielder's shot cleared the crossbar. There was plenty of potential in Tabora's display although even at this stage of the season, potential needs to be fulfilled.

The visitors made it 3-1 after 41 minutes, when Ogun was controversially flagged offside and from the resulting long free kick, the highly experienced, and crucially, unmarked Adalberto Pinto slotted the ball past Aldridge.

Romford had plenty of second half possession, although the most that Rovers keeper Mason had to do until the closing stages was field an 81st minute shot from another debutant, Antonius Anastasios, who had replaced Jacob Turk. By that stage another highly experienced visitor, Martin Tuohy had made it 4-1 when, in the 48th minute he scored from close range after another low cross had caused havoc in the Boro defence. This followed hot on the heels of a decent Boro chance when Ogun, set up by Little, miskicked in front of goal. Boro's last chance of the afternoon saw Mason make a good save from Palmer's low shot right at the death. By that time Paul Martin had picked up a yellow card after having words with referee Jordan Crossley after Giovanni Palmer had been clattered, an offence that earned Gorbell one of two cautions the visitors accumulated.

It's hard to take many positives from this performance - individually there were some bright spots, but collectively the familiar failings continue. Rovers look a decent enough side, but worryingly, Boro will be faced with stiffer tests as the season progresses. Improvement is needed, and quick.

Romford: Harry Aldridge, Inesh Sumithran. Toby Barlow (Giovanni Palmer, 46m), Dilan Thandi, Malaki Toussaint (Michael Agboola, 67m), Danny Cossington, Jacob Turk (Antonius Anastasios, 66m), Nathan Tabora, Reece Tranter, Rashaad Ogun, Charlie Little. Subs not used: George Woodward, Keiron Owusu.