ROMFORD v ENFIELD TOWN MATCH PREVIEW

Weather permitting (it's raining at present and loads more to follow!!) Enfield Town travel to Thurrock's Ship Lane ground to play Division One (North) side Romford tomorrow afternoon. The fixture will evoke some good memories for veteran supporters of both clubs as The Boro (then one of the strongest clubs in the Southern League) played the old Enfield FC in FA Cup in the 1960's. The first time came in October 1960 when The E's were members of the Athenian League and lost 2-1 at Romford's famous Brooklands stadium. The home side went on to beat Sutton United 5-0 after a 2-2 draw at Gander Green Lane and then were knocked out 1-5 at home to Division Four side Northampton Town. The two club's drew each other in the 1964/65 season when The E's had moved to the Isthmian League and following two 0-0 draws at Brooklands and Southbury Road the 2nd replay was played at Arsenal's Highbury Stadium with Enfield recording a famous 4-2 victory going on the the 2nd round when they drew 4-4 at home to Barnet before a 3-0 defeat at Underhill.

Enfield Town and Romford have played each other in the Essex Senior League and Ryman Division One (North) over the past decade when the club were playing at Rush Green Road and Aveley's Mill Field ground. Since 2012/13 Romford have ground shared at Thurrock which is a round trip of around 18 miles from their home town which isn't ideal for their loyal band of supporters.

Work is still ongoing behind the scenes to build The Boro a new home at Westlands Playing Fields in the Essex Town. I sincerely hope the club and supporters get their wish of having their own home soon.

Romford struggled last season finishing in 20th place in Division One (North) just three points above the bottom three just three points above Redbridge and Barkingside who were reprieved from relegation. This was their lowest placed position since re-joining the Isthmian League in 2009 - they have finished in 13th, 12th, 13th, 8th, 11th and 20th since then.

Paul Martin in the manager assisted by Alex Goldstone and Mark Lord. Martin has been boss since being promoted from reserve team boss in 2007/08 and in his first full season in charge the club won the Essex Senior League.

So far this pre-season they have played four games. On Tuesday 14th July they won 0-1 at Essex Senior League Clapton thanks to a Bradley Morgan goal. The on Thursday 16th they lost to Billericay Town (0-1 at home) followed by 2-2 with Essex Olympian League side Frenford Senior and a 2-3 win yesterday evening at Seven Acres and Sidcup.

Some of the players in these squads have been

Atu Ngoy - A goalkeeper who has previously played 50 times for the club during 2012/13 and 2013/14. He has rejoined for this season.
Aaron Omand  - Goalkeeper who has represented East Thurrock United and Waltham Forest
George Tubey - Midfielder who played his first game for The Boro in 2007. He has also played for Barkingside.
George Woodward - primarily a defender but has played in almost every position for the club. Scored against Seven Acres and Sidcup on Thursday. Was sidelined through injury for last season.
Reece Cosson - a product of Romford's youth team playing during 2008/09. Played for Barkingside during 2012/13 and rejoined The Boro for the 2014/15 season.
Chris Barry - Midfielder has played over 100 times for The Boro. He has also played for Ilford. 
Ryan Imbert - A striker with pace to burn who once scored a memorable hat-trick away at AFC Sudbury. Has also played for Thurrock.
Joe Bricknell - Midfielder woh has recently joined the club. Has played for Cheshunt, Aylesbury United and Aveley.
Jake Giddings - Another midfielder to recently join the club. Has played for Waltham Abbey and Barkingside.
Joe Tingey - scored the 88th minute winner versus Seven Acres and Sidcup.
Joe Scott - centre forward who joined from AFC Hornchurch u21's in February.
Bradley Morgan - netted the winner versus Clapton FC.
Danny Crossington - Central Midfielder and another ex Barkingside player. Also played for Burnham Ramblers.
Robbie Norris - Midfielder signed from Thurrock FC at the start of the 2013/14 season. 
Nathan Cooper - Centre back signed at the start of the 2014/15 season.
Nick Reynolds - Top scorer for the club in 2012/13 and then joined Maldon and Tiptree. Now back at The Boro.
Jamie Dicks - FA Cup goal scoring hero against Bury Town last season in a 1-0 victory over the then Ryman Premier side.
Matt Frew - Centre back nicknamed Burger/Burgs due to his choice of half time food whilst playing for Barking. Recently re-joined the club having played during 2003/04. Was player/manager with Barkingside for four seasons so the 34 year old brings with him a huge amount of experience on and off the pitch. 
Greg Akpele - 24 year old striker who has joined this summer. Also played for Cheshunt, Burnham Ramblers and another player to have represented Barkingside.

Kick off tomorrow is at 3pm at Thurrock FC's Ship Lane ground.

The Romford and Enfield FC teams on Saturday 22nd October 1960