East Thurrock United 3 v 0 Romford
Rookery Hill has not been a happy hunting ground for Romford as they shipped six goals without reply in four days.
The Rocks did enough to take the three points and move to within one of Needham Market at the top of the league.
There was drama at the start of the match when ref Dave Margetts injured himself while warming up. Assistant Jim Pope stepped up to the job, with visiting Aveley secretary and Ryman Board official Craig Johnston took over the line for the opening 20 minutes until a replacement official arrived.
Rocks striker Hakeem Araba was handful in the first half, even more so when he picked up a leg injury. In the 20th minute, his flicked header was cleared off the line and then he headed home the opener in the 32nd minute.
As on Saturday against Grays, Romford’s attacking pair of Petrit Elbi and Kurt Smith threatened but flattered to deceive.
Sam Higgins may well be the difference between winning this league and qualifying for the play-offs.
In the 53rd minute, he rose home at the far post and he secured the three points with a simple tap in, in the 80th minute.
Attendance: 142
