There’s no time to dwell on yesterday’s Play-Off Final defeat against Sporting Bengal United as Boro go again tomorrow evening in the Errington Challenge Cup Final against Stanway Rovers. This will be Romford’s third Final in the competition, which was formerly simply the Essex Senior League Cup. In 1996, Romford beat Southend Manor 2-0 in the Final played at Burnham Ramblers, but were beaten by Brentwood Town on penalties in the 2007 Final, which was played at Redbridge.

Errington Challenge Cup Round by Round:

Romford’s route to the Final has seen wins over Little Oakley, Halstead Town, and Saffron Walden Town. Stanway have beaten Ilford, Athletic Newham, and Woodford Town.

First Round:
Takeley 2, Sporting Bengal United 3
FC Clacton 5, Coggeshall Town 1
White Ensign 0, Barking 4
Hullbridge Sports 0, Woodford Town 2

Second Round:
Romford 2, Little Oakley 0
Sporting Bengal United 2, Athletic Newham 3
Buckhurst Hill 0, West Essex 1
Stanway Rovers 2, Ilford 1
Halstead Town 2, Frenford 1
Great Wakering Rovers 2, Woodford Town 3
Tilbury 0, Barking 2
Saffron Walden Town v FC Clacton: Home Walk-Over, FC Clacton unable to field a team

Third Round:
Stanway Rovers 3, Athletic Newham 0
West Essex 0, Woodford Town 3
Halstead Town 2, Romford 5
Saffron Walden Town 1, Barking 0

Semi-Finals
Saffron Walden Town 2, Romford 4
Stanway Rovers 4, Woodford Town 1

Ten different players have scored for Boro in the competition, with Toheeb Elegushi leading the way with three goals having scored in each round.

Extra-time will be played if the scores are level at the end of 90 minutes, and penalties will follow if necessary.

The current holders of the cup are Barking, who beat Redbridge on penalties in last season’s final, which was played at Aveley.

Previous Meetings:

In four previous meetings, the home side has always come out on top. Last season, Boro beat Stanway 5-1 at Barking, but lost 3-1 in the return. Earlier this season, Boro were again beaten 3-1 at Stanway, but the return, played at Rookery Hill just a couple of weeks ago Boro won 1-0 with a late goal from Sam Deering (pictured celebrating his goal).

The Venue:

Tomorrow night’s game will be played at The First Call Community Stadium, home of Heybridge Swifts. Romford have played at Heybridge many times over the years, but not since February 2022.

The full address of the ground is Scraley Road, Heybridge, Maldon, Essex CM9 8FJ and by car the journey from Romford should take about 50 minutes, although evening traffic may increase that.