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With promotion looming and a glorious 2nd place positioning in the league in their first season, Romford Town had it
all for play for in this thrilling match-up.
After playing a dull, low-scoring game with Eastside when they were last entertained at the goals complex Romford Town
were expecting another close shave of a win. Although the win was never meant to be, this was no bore.
With all the Romford Town players starting well in the first half, things looked comfortable as they mounted several
attacks from the off. The Honz coming close with guilt-edge chances one after the other wasn't close enough as the in-form
Eastside keeper kept the power-foot at bay.
Things were tighter than my ex-birds, well-trained grip as the Towners played to match the Eastside attacks with excellent
defending, which usually turned into a Romford Town counter-attack. An in-form McGhee came forward to lead several attacks
early on but McGhee's football wasn't the only thing flexing as McGhee encountered Eastside aggressiveness early on.
After already receiving a warning from the ref, McGhee was the 800th assult victim in Dagenham that night when an eastside
player decided to kick his feet after he'd won the ball. When turning to confront the wimpy Eastsidian McGhee was walked
away from as the ref gave the fouler a little talking to. Play resumed with McGhee seeking revenge.
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| McGhee was always known for an explosive game |
The battle ensued as most Towners found themselves involved in aggressive battles to get the ball, all over the pitch,
Romford Town usually coming off better, either with the ball or just not on the floor. After 15 minutes or so minute
came the ice-breaker that Jones and the Towners deserved. The first goal had been greatfully scored by Jones
who, just minutes before, had been denied by the crossbar.
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| Jones had always been known for being a saucy scamp. |
The halftime whistle went with the Towners still holding the advantage but very tired. Fresh legs in the form of
Rog came on to play as the second half commenced. Still as sturdy as in the first half, the Towners still seemed to
be in control. More dives, dirty fouling and bad reffing continued as Eastside went on to take it back to level terms
on the counter, faltering an excellent Hammond between the sticks.
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| Tonights ref; not Collina. |
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McGhee came on the attack again and teamed up well with the Honz to slot one past the keeper for the Towners to reatke
the lead. It wasn't long-live though as Eastside clawed another back to bring the game level once more.
Attacks came from Westwood, Benny, Jones, and more from McGhee as some excellent roll-outs from Hammond were almost
capitalised on with powerful shots being saved by the Eastside goalie. Frustration began to take grip in the final minutes
as time, and promotion ticked quietly away.
Still, Romford Town attacked and shot like there was no tomorrow, DMK and Jones using enormous skill to try and carve
space through a tight Eastside defence but never penalising with the ultimate trophy; the goal that never came.
Instead, another counter-attack saw enough space for an unstoppable Eastside shot that won the game and took promotion
hopes away from the Towners. Almost inconsolable fans, Tom Broughton and Mike Reade looked on in horror as the ref blew
the final whistle to signal the end of the game and any remaining promotion hopes.
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| The old yawning trick never failed on either of the boys DMK liked |
Back in the bar, hopes were lifted again as McGhee found that Rejects had lost tonights game leaving an excellent chance
for the Towners to win promotion against losers One Day We Will Win.
To the wire we go, for another bite of the cherry.
Individual Ratings
Stevie Hammond - The matchwinner returns to the Towners
to play anexcellent game for the Towners. With every Romford Town attack there was usually a reply, most of which Hammond
had already prepared some kind of super-save as a reply. Some good shouting and excellent saves result in the red-named
award we call the Man of The Match. Excellent work Hammond.
Chris Jones - A lovely game that deserved more goals. Shots streaming in from all over the gaff
saw Chris hit posts, bars and clubs. Really carried the Towners tonight and once again led by example, played fella.
Ben Brace - Comedy shooting was back with a vengance at one point when Benny was streaming down the
right flank with the ball and an Eastside player in close quarters. Pulling back the right peg Benny missed the ball
completely but retained possession to pull the trigger again to release a screamer that challenged the Eastside keeper.
Mainly strength and tackling on display as Benny put in a comfortable performance.
DMK - Another excellent display of skill this week with Monteeny doing those drag-backs with good effect
throughout the whole game. A good all-rounder with clever running and passing with some unlucky shots to boot.
Roger Westwood - A big game for Rog to take advantage of but was denied goalscoring glory by an excellent
keeper on many an occasion. Did well when tracking back and clearing up for the defenders when they went forward
and showed good strength.
John McGhee - Had an excellent game and scored a nice, little goal. McGhee wasn't taking no shit
tonight as he tried to start fights on two seperate occassions with the fouling opposition, and rightly so. Did well
in the tackles and when dishing out payback.
Rickee Murrell - Using the age-old peperami take-down to wipe out opposition players but was almost
injured from bad tackles. Had a quieter game thatn most weeks I reckon and still looking for a goal in nearly two hours
of football.
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