Sawbridgeworth Town (1) 2, Romford (0) 0 – Saturday 22nd March 2025 – Essex Senior League

Since winning at Frenford at the tail end of November, Boro had picked up just one point in seven away games prior to this visit to relegation threatened Sawbridgeworth Town, and that dismal run continued with this latest defeat.

The hosts were well worth their win on Non-League Day and their victory keeps their heads above water at the foot of the table and puts Boro's hopes of a top 10 finish under threat.

This was a poor game in many respects, but the home side were worth their win thanks to their greater application and all action style. Romford's more considered approach all too frequently floundered on a bobbly surface although the condition of the pitch should in no way be considered as a significant factor in the outcome.

As at Clacton recently, Romford conceded an early goal. Just five minutes were on the clock when Austen Garrod netted for the home side, the Sawbridgeworth forward side footing home after the ball had fallen advantageous to him from team mate Joshua Fox's cross from the left flank.

Romford had an immediate chance to level when Samson Adelaja found himself in space but his shot was easily gathered by Sawbo keeper Jimmy Parker. Thirteen minutes in and Jake Gordon curled a shot tantalisingly wide.

Sawbridgeworth created an opening for Elijah Mambombe that was spurned when his low shot was cleared at the near post and Boro broke quickly. Adelaja hit the bar with his shot and from rebound, Charlie Morris shot wide.

An otherwise incident free half concluded with Dervishaj saving from Sawbo's leading scorer, Elijah Grant.

The second half was, if anything, less eventful than the first had been, although in the very first minute after the interval Sawbridgeworth were denied a clear shooting opportunity when an advantage might have been played and the free-kick they were awarded came to nothing.

Sawbridgeworth came close to doubling their lead with a 73nd minute shot that hit the bar, while Jake Gordon was close to a levelling goal when he shot just over two minutes later.

The home side wrapped up the points after 73 minutes when Luke Ellis scored, netting after a cross from the right wing was not properly cleared and the ball fell at his feet.

Boro huffed and puffed thereafter, but nothing clear cut was created and the relegation threatened home side ended the afternoon deserved winners.

Romford return to Mayesbrook Park next Saturday with high-flying Woodford Town the visitors, after which there’s a trip to Play-Off hopefuls Great Wakering Rovers, so no respite for Boro who now have nothing to play for other than pride.

Romford: Qamil Dervishaj, Jake Gordon, Harry Elsey, Harry Markatis (Zinnel Royes 71m), Ellis Ashworth (David Oweridu, 71m), Patrick Campbell, Charlie Morris (Jayden Silcott-Brown 46m), Darnell Ramsay (Olakunmi Sosanya 46m), Samson Adelaja, Blaise Uwandji, Sam Brogan. Unused sub: Ross Elsom

Report by Mike Woods