After wins over opposition from Steps 5, 4, and 3, Vanarama National League South opposition proved to be a Step 2 far for Boro, who failed to score in a game for the first time this season. There was some consolation however, in the gate of 336 - the best in 17 years – and a loser’s cheque for £1,875, taking total prize money earned in the FA Cup to just over £10,000.

Much of the first half was even, and although Chelmsford had the better opportunities and Jake Anderson was the busier of the two keepers, Boro were not without chances, and gave a very good account of themselves. After the break however, City were more dominant and once they scored the outcome rarely looked in doubt.

Jake Anderson fields a first half Chelmsford corner.

Romford had the first chance of note when, after 9 minutes, Kris Newby swept a free-kick wide to Jesse Olukolu, and his cross was headed narrowly wide by George Cox (pictured below; Cox is partially hidden by number 6, George Allen).

Two dangerous crosses by Chelmsford’s Jazzi Barnum-Bobb were headed wide or over the Boro goal by Jamie Yila and Simeon Jackson after 12 and 15 minutes respectively, and then after 23 minutes, Liam Trotter headed over from Khale da Costa’s corner.

A clash of heads led to a lengthy stoppage, at the end of which Camilo Restrepo emerged swathed in bandages, and the visitors continued to create – and miss – chances. Da Costa curled a free-kick over the bar and was then denied by a point blank save by Anderson, who then made two fine saves to round off a half in which he had performed impressively.

Good pressure applied by Emmanuel Robe and Jesse Olukolu stole possession deep in Chelmsford territory as the second half opened, and Olukolu’s strong run was only stopped by a foul by Eduino Vaz, who picked up the first yellow card of the afternoon after 50 minutes.

The visitors had presumably received an interval lecture on their shortcomings in front of goal, because six minutes later, they went ahead through Khale da Costa, who converted a low, left-wing cross from close range. From that point on Romford’s task became immeasurably more difficult, and when Adebola Oluwo volleyed home City’s second on the hour, it was pretty much game over.

Just before City’s second, Anderson had made a fine save to deny da Costa, but after 72 minutes da Costa rounded Anderson, and his goal-bound shot was deflected in by Bleron Ademi.

A rare Romford attack was ended by City keeper Jacob Marsden, who went to ground under a challenge from Jake Gordon as he came out to collect a defensive header that threatened to fall short. Gordon picked up a yellow card in the incident, but worse followed when George Allen was sent off after 78 minutes, pulling back a Chelmsford forward in the penalty area and denying a goalscoring opportunity. Da Costa converted the penalty for his hat-trick.

Tom Blackwell rounded off the scoring for the visitors with a low shot in the 84th minute, and Romford’s FA Cup adventure was over.

Romford: Jake Anderson, Kris Newby (Toby Barlow, 72m), Danny Hurford, Jacob Wiggins (Alex Balisani, 64m), Bleron Ademi, George Allen, Jesse Olukolu, George Cox, Emmanuel Robe (Jake Gordon, 64m), Camilo Restrepo, Charlie Morris. Unused subs: Martin Tuohy, Tyrese Sibanda, Jack Glenister, Billy Lawlor

All pictures by Alan Blackholly