Tilbury 0 Romford 2

Pre Season Friendly, Monday 25th July

My latest and possibly last pre season game ahead of the new season saw me over at Chadfields as Essex Senior League Romford got the better of Isthmian North Tilbury thanks to goals from Emmanuel Kouassi and Kris Newby.

Romford suffered relegation from the Isthmian North last season after what can only be described as a season to forget, thirteen points from thirty eight games and a goal difference of minus 113 tells ths sorry story, so the club were looking to get back on their feet and try and bounce back this season, they were up against a Tilbury side who did not have a brilliant season themselves last time out, finishing 14th and only eight points above third bottom Witham Town.

Both then were looking for much better season's in their forthcoming campaign's, and it was the visitors who started the better and already had a candidate for goal of the season after just three minutes when Kouassi let fly from range and saw his powerful effort thump off the inside of the post and into the net, it really was a superb strike.

Tilbury tried to respond but saw a free kick well saved by Billy Lawlor, but they almost found themselves further behind when a curling effort from Jesse Olukolu struck the bar, and Lawlor had to make a good save towards the end of the half, whilst both sides had penalty appeals turned away as the half ended with the visitors maintaining that slender lead.  

Boro were appealing for another penalty early in the second period when Justin Bailey appeared to be fouled, and then Olukolu forced a decent stop from the keeper just past the hour mark, however shortly after that Boro did double their advantage when a Newby free kick hit the wall, came back to Newby, who drove into the box and fired a terrific left footed effort across the keeper and into the top corner, it was another superb strike, and Romford now had a two goal cushion.

Tilbury, who were pretty off colour for the majority of the contest, almost pulled one back but saw the effort hit the post, and then another attack saw one cleared off the line, however, Boro nearly made it three when another wonderful strike cannoned off the bar and just failed to cross the line, according to the assistant although Boro were adamant it had crossed the line, but it remained 0-2. 

And that is how it ended with Boro ending their pre season five unbeaten and no doubt giving themselves and their suffering supporters hope ahead of the new Essex Senior League season this weekend as they travel to Buckhurst Hill, who many fancy to do well this season, so on this evidence that should be a good watch. Romford will be tough to beat going on this showing.

The Dockers on the other hand would have learnt much from this run out, it wasn't the greatest showing it must be said and they have one more friendly against their big rivals Grays Athletic at the weekend, to get things right ahead of their FA Cup Extra Preliminary tie the following weekend, it's likely their last friendly won't be so friendly either so will be good preparation ahead of that cup tie at Milton Keynes Irish.

Full time Tilbury 0 Romford 2