When Newmarket pulled back a two goal deficit with just four minutes remaining, a penalty shoot-out looked inevitable, but in the third minute of added time, defender George Allen scored from close range to put Boro into the Second Round of the FA Vase. It was a deserved win for Boro, but in time honoured Romford fashion, they made the fans sweat for the win.

That the scores were level at half-time was due largely to missed Romford chances and an unnecessary penalty conceded in stoppage time. The first chance went Boro’s way when a quick free-kick in midfield by Lewis Smith set Jesse Olukolu free and his dangerous cross was cleared for a throw from which Boro fashioned a chance that was headed over.

Newmarket’s response was a shot from Michael Shinn that was deflected for a corner, and another off target shot by Oscar Dean, who ought to have done better when presented with a chance to shoot on the edge of the penalty area.

Emmanuel Robe’s low cross after 16 minutes fell just behind Jake Gordon, and Gordon then fired over the bar with a shot on the turn from the edge of the box. Gordon it was who put Boro ahead, when after 23 minutes Smith’s ball found Robe free on the right, and his low cross was converted by Gordon from eight yards.

Smith curled a shot wide and Gordon’s header from Robe’s cross was narrowly off target as Boro looked to increase their lead, but Newmarket went close in the final minute of the half with a dangerous low cross from the left that no one could get a touch on. Then, in the first minute of stoppage time, Boro keeper Jake Anderson’s challenge on a Newmarket forward had referee Istvan Mod pointing to the spot, and Joe Asensi equalised with a well placed penalty.

Romford continued to have the lion’s share of possession and chances after the break. Jake Gordon headed a cross from Robe over the bar and Newmarket keeper Alex Archer saved well from Smith in the opening minutes. Jake Anderson was forced into a save from Shinn’s free-kick in the 55th minute in a rare Newmarket foray into Boro territory, but Boro were soon back at the other end with Robe and Olukolu creating chances for Gordon.

After 67 minutes Boro had their noses in front for the second time when Gordon was set free down the right wing, and his low cross was converted by a luckless Newmarket defender in his attempt to clear. After 73 minutes Archer made a good low save from Olukolu’s shot, and from the resulting corner, Scott Doe was beaten in the air only by the flailing arm of a home defender. Jake Gordon stepped up to take the penalty, which Archer dived to save. Newmarket’s relief turned to anger however, when the assistant referee pointed out that Archer had stepped forward off his line, and a retake was ordered, which Gordon duly converted.

That looked like matters were done and dusted, but with 81 minutes played, Anderson dashed from his line but was beaten by Lewis Whitehead’s shot from a wide position, and worse followed for Boro with 86 minutes gone as Jacob Mingay’s fierce shot from outside the box flew into the top corner. Romford assistant manager Dan Spinks was shown a red card by referee Mod in the aftermath.

With Newmarket congratulating themselves on apparently getting out of jail and earning a penalty shoot-out, George Allen popped up in their penalty area to convert a loose ball from close range in the 93rd minute to settle a breathless cup tie and earn a Second Round tie on 12th November.

Romford: Jake Anderson, Tambeson Eyong, Danny Hurford, Jacob Wiggins, Scott Doe, George Allen, Jesse Olukolu (Kris Newby, 78m), George Cox (Camilo Restrepo, 46m), Jake Gordon (Martin Tuohy, 78m), Lewis Smith, Emmanuel Robe. Unused subs: Alex Balisani, Jack Glenister, Bleron Ademi