Jaxon Brown opens the scoring for Romford against Burnham Ramblers

Ten-Man Romford Through In The FA Vase

14th September 202614th September 2026 The Havering Daily 0 Comments Mike Woods Romford, Romford, Romford FC min read

Romford overcame a red card and a second-half Burnham Ramblers comeback to secure their place in the FA Vase First Round draw.

By Mike Woods

Reduced to ten men after Julius Nwike was sent off just before half-time, Romford saw their two-goal advantage disappear when the home side scored twice in three minutes during the second half. However, a perfectly struck free-kick from Harrison Day 11 minutes from time put Boro through.

Romford went close in the third minute when Jake Barlow met Fabio Vieira’s free-kick but headed wide. After 12 minutes, Aron Gordon forced the first of a string of good saves from Burnham goalkeeper Freddie Drew, who parried Gordon’s effort before gathering the ball at the second attempt.

Jaxon Brown put Boro ahead with his fifth goal of the season after 20 minutes, running on to Teddy Desmond’s pass and beating Drew at his near post.

Alfie Osborne had a shot turned around a post by Drew after 25 minutes, but Romford doubled their lead with 40 minutes played. Vieira found Gordon on the left and he moved the ball on to Brown. Drew kept out Brown’s shot, but only as far as Day, who fired home.

Burnham were not without chances. Aiden Brown headed Petjra Doradon’s corner across goal and wide after ten minutes, while Ethan Brien found space in the Romford penalty area immediately after Boro’s opener but chipped over the bar.

Romford were reduced to ten men in first-half stoppage time when Nwike pulled back a Burnham forward who had got goal-side of him.

Ramblers took advantage after the break and pulled one back after 67 minutes when a free-kick from the left was not cleared and Adolson Joab scored from close range. Two minutes later, the hosts were level through experienced striker Stuart Zanone, who scored from an acute angle.

Stung by the equaliser, Boro pressed for a winner. A foul on Prince Sikiru earned Romford a free-kick from around 30 yards and Day, who has joined from Hashtag United on a month’s loan, lifted his shot over the wall and beyond the motionless Drew.

After two defeats, Romford will be relieved to return to winning ways. Attention now turns to Tuesday’s BBC Essex Senior Cup tie at home to Rayleigh Town, before Boro resume Essex Senior League action against Great Wakering Rovers at Mayesbrook Park on Saturday.