Heartbreak for Boro, Beaten by Stoppage-Time Goal

By Mike Woods

Little Oakley 1, Romford 0

Heartbreakingly, in the sixth minute of added time in a game from which Romford deserved at least a point, league leaders Little Oakley snatched victory when Daniel Keeble met a high ball into the penalty area and headed into the corner of the net. The goal was particularly harsh on Boro keeper Brad Davison, who produced a series of excellent saves and did not deserve to be on the losing side.

Boro created an early opportunity when Lewis Browne’s ball in from the right found Christian Adu Gyamfi, but the striker slipped on the bumpy and treacherous surface and the chance was lost.

Romford defender Harry Elsey was yellow-carded for pulling back Luke Hipkin on the left flank, and from the resulting free-kick Nick Reynolds made an important headed clearance.

Romford then went close through Henry Hart after he was well found on the left side of the home penalty area. His initial effort was blocked and the ball cannoned back off him for a goal kick.

Brad Davison made a strong save at his near post to deny Jordi Papple before Little Oakley threatened twice in quick succession, first with Hipkin’s deflected shot drifting wide and then Rory Harman striking the top of the crossbar.

Romford were giving as good as they got and created three chances in four minutes. Lewis Browne volleyed over after being found by Joe Damrell following a quick break. Moments later, a quick throw was flicked on by Browne, Adu Gyamfi moved the ball on, and Damrell had a shot saved by James Askew, who then turned Henry Hart’s follow-up round the post.

Lewis Browne was fouled in the build-up and required lengthy treatment before returning to see another effort saved by Askew, while Greig Stewart’s follow-up was blocked as Boro finished the half strongly. However, the first period ended with a harsh yellow card shown to Freddy Cooper.

Nick Reynolds became the third Boro defender booked after 61 minutes for delaying the restart in a crowded penalty area, with Ryan Sammons also cautioned shortly afterwards for a routine foul.

Davison made an excellent double save after 65 minutes, diving to his left to keep out one shot before recovering to block the rebound. Substitute Trevor Harding flicked a chance wide for the hosts, while Romford went agonisingly close when Christian Adu Gyamfi headed Flynn Hamilton’s corner back across goal and just wide of the post.

Davison then produced another superb save to deny Bobby Rea as Romford continued to frustrate the league leaders. Two minutes into stoppage time, Davison made yet another excellent stop before Little Oakley finally broke Boro hearts with their late winner.

In addition to four cautions shown to Romford players, referee Adam Miller also sent off Joe Damrell after taking exception to something said by the Boro forward.

Romford now take a brief break from league action with the visit of Halstead Town to Mayesbrook Park on Wednesday evening for an Errington Challenge Cup tie, before next Saturday’s short trip to the Mile End Stadium to face Sporting Bengal United, who sit immediately below Boro in the league table.

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