Frenford (1) 2, Romford (1) 4 – Saturday 30th November 2024 – Essex Senior League

Blaise Uwandji came off the bench to net Boro's crucial third goal on his debut after Frenford had twice pegged Kris Newby's men back.

After some disappointing recent results, Romford maintained their unbeaten away league record and created enough chances to have established a comfortable first half lead only for Frenford to net a fortuitous equaliser seconds before the half-time whistle blew.

The home side had a sight of goal in just the second minute but Qamil Dervishaj was equal to Jordon Elongo's effort. Ash Siddik then sent over a low cross that no Boro player could make contact with as play switched to the other end.

Kennedy Feyi had the ball in the net after 10 minutes when Frenford keeper Kasey Clark pushed out Jaiden Babalola's shot, but the goal was ruled out for offside. A minute later Feyi put Praise Ogbebor through, but Clark saved.

A long throw from Frenford's ex-Boro player Nick Reynolds after 15 minutes fell kindly for a home forward, but Dervishaj saved the shot and two minutes later, Boro were ahead. Ash Siddik quickly chipped forward a free-kick after Ogbebor had been fouled and Brendan Ocran controlled with his chest and flicked the ball beyond Clark and into the far corner of the net.

A cross by Joe Paxman was fumbled by Clark after 26 minutes but Kennedy Feyi was unable to capitalise, while at the other end, Simon Peddle headed a free-kick narrowly wide of the Boro goal as both teams continued to create chances

Ocran forced a save from Clark after he had been found by Siddik's pass after 39 minutes, but in the last minute of the half, Frenford levelled the scores. Boro failed to deal decisively with a long ball and when play was switched to the right, a low cross went in off a Romford defender.

Andy Morris had to be replaced at the break by Amaree Robinson-Jones with Jaiden Babalola partnering Harry Elsey at the heart of the Boro defence and the Boro substitute was involved in Boro's second goal which came just four minutes after the restart. Siddik played the ball out to the Robinson-Jones on the right and Kennedy Feyi slammed home his cross from close range.

Frenford were level again after 66 minutes however. Boro needlessly conceded a corner from which two efforts were blocked before Anthony Uzoegbu made no mistake with his low shot.

Substitute Blaise Uwandji forced a diving save from Clark after 67 minutes and Boro hit the bar from the subsequent corner, but after 70 minutes, Uwandji put his side ahead. Feyi played the ball out to Ogbebor on the left and when his cross found Uwandji, the youngster showed good control and composure to set himself up for a shot that gave Clark no chance.

Amaree Robinson-Jones shot wide after 73 minutes after Uwandji had created the chance, but the home side came close to a third equaliser six minutes from time, hitting the bar after Dervishaj had pushed out a shot.

Amaree Robinson-Jones put the result beyond doubt after 88 minutes, running onto Sonny Dutton's pass and firing home despite being pulled back.

Given this confidence boosting win, it's a shame that Boro now don't play for a fortnight.

Romford: Qamil Dervishaj, Joe Paxman (Nathan Fuma 64'), Isioma Richard, Jaiden Babalola, Harry Elsey, Andy Morris (Amaree Robinson-Jones 46'), Brendan Ocran (Blaise Uwandji 64'), Ashaan Siddik, Kennedy Feyi (Sonny Dutton 79'), Arnold Mengi, Praise Ogbebor (Toheeb Elegushi 80')

Report by Mike Woods