Romford made it four wins from four in the Essex Senior League – their best start in 60 years – with a 2-0 success at Hullbridge Sports.
Boro ensured a happy birthday for boss Dan Spinks as they recorded a fifth successive victory in all competitions, taking the lead on 33 minutes with a fine backheeled finish from Jayden Silcott-Brown, after some great play on the left.
Hullbridge had penalty claims waved away after the restart, with Boro making sure of the points in stoppage time when Bruno Gomes found the net.
“Different test for us today, than we’ve had in the last few weeks, very direct, thought the boys dealt with it perfectly,” Dan Spinks told the club website.
“When we got it down and played we looked dangerous. They’re a good side, they’re going to get plenty of points here so we’re pleased to get another three points away from home. Got to take that at the moment.”
Boro take on landlords Barking on Wednesday, with Blues having celebrated a 4-2 home win over Stanway Rovers.
Spinks added: “It will be a tough game, I’m close with the manager there, we’ve got a bit of a rivalry with the two clubs.
“But if the boys show the same energy we’ll be alright. We’ll give it a go against anyone at the moment.”
Isioma Richard slotted home a fourth-minute opener for Barking, but Stanway levelled midway through the first half courtesy of Kieran Southgate.
Barking regained the lead when Martin Tuohy fed Kenedi Dariri for a curling finish, but the visitors were back on terms early in the second half when Andrew Fennell found the net from close range.
Henry Mabassa headed home from George Okoye’s corner on 68 minutes to put Blues in front for a third time, with Fahad Nyanja making sure with the fourth soon after.
Athletic Newham beat Little Oakley by the same margin, in their first home game of the season.
They took the lead through hotshot Richard Kone’s 30-yard effort, only for the visitors to hit back with a double to lead 2-1.
Kone struck again, with Joel Appiah also on target to turn things around.
And Idris Aminu sealed the points when running onto a through ball from Daniel Izekor to poke home.
Woodford Town banked another three points with a 3-1 away win over Saffron Walden Town at Catons Lane.
Luke Parrott netted twice, with Ernest Okoh also on target for Shane Baptiste’s men.
“Excellent 3-1 win today, massive result for us against a good side,” Baptiste posted.
“Huge weeks ahead so time to assess, recover and prepare for another game on Tuesday.
“Massive thanks to our travelling fans, unbelievable support.”
Frenford came from two goals down to earn a 3-3 draw with Coggeshall Town at The Drive.
Fabio Nunes put them in front after just seven minutes, but the visitors were back on terms on 19 minutes before being reduced to 10 men by a straight red card.
Frenford fell behind just before half-time and went 3-1 down with 15 minutes remaining.
But Sam Cross replied to give them hope and stepped up again three minutes from time to convert a penalty.
Frenford might have snatched victory but struck the crossbar twice late on.
Today’s MOM – @_owenjame5 pic.twitter.com/ea4tpDkig5
— Frenford FC (@Frenfordfc) August 12, 2023
Ilford picked up their first point of the season in a 1-1 draw at White Ensign.
Frederick Mattock hit a post in the first minute, but the home side also struck the woodwork midway through the first half.
The Foxes got their noses in front on 32 minutes when Rowan Newland netted his first goal for the club with a great finish.
But Ensign levelled with a free header at the far post and neither side could find a winner after that.
Sporting Bengal United shared the spoils with Buckhurst Hill, who took the lead through Luke Sackey’s fine volley at Mile End Stadium.
David Etcheri was dismissed for the hosts in the second half, but Edward Buchanan netted a late leveller as it ended in a 1-1 draw.
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