Romford take the initiative and serge on the Manor right from the whistle, obviously showing much confidence after beating the Manor the week previous in the GBMT Trophy by 4-0. Romford's strikers Clark and Benstock dominating proceedings and taking full advantage of the young Manor side's inexperience. Romford drew first blood in the 14th Minute when a defensive error saw the ball looping high into the air over the top of Prince and Romford striker Clark was ready to knock it in to the goal 1-0 to the Boro.

The Manor defended well for long periods of the game but for some lapse in concentration allowed Romford to much space. In the 21st minute Tony Marsh came off injured and the young talented 17 year old Defender George Fullbrook came on. Romford continued to show their dominance and scored their second in the 28th minute when Danny Benstock who was playing superbly found himself a yard of space, one on one with Prince and slotted the ball over the top of the Manor Keeper 2-0 to the Boro.

The Manor tried to catch Romford on the counter with Armstrong and Connolly linking well but found the Romford Keeper Neil Finn on his game. Romford's third came in the 31st minute when Benstock weaved his way into the Manor Penalty area and with the slightest of touches went down in a heap, the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Dean Allan stepped up to make it 3-0 to the Boro. Romford nearly made it four in the 35th minute when a scrabbled ball came out to Clark who struck the ball well, Prince coming to the rescue with a brilliant save, the ball rebounded out and this time Danny Church caught the ball on the half volley and Chris Barrett bravely putting his body into the path of the ball cleared for a corner.

In the 38th minute and much to the relief of Manor Faithful Kevin Clark was substituted as he was causing much of the attacking play. The first half Romford can take much satisfaction that they had done enough to dampen the sprites of the Manor players, little did they know that the Manor play better with their backs against the wall. The second half was a different story with the Manor now 3-0 down and nothing to lose apart from their pride started to attack the Boro in packs. Felice, Armstrong, Connolly and young Steve Whitelock all coming close within the first 15 minutes. 68th minute and a Boro attack is broken down when Sam Williams playing out of position on Whitelock's instruction ran 45 yards to take the ball off the feet of Danny Church just before he was going to shot on Goal.

The Manor continued to win the battle in midfield using the speed and youth of the Manors young guns down the flanks. 71st minute and Romford attacked down the right Church ran at the Manor defence and shot, luckily for the Manor Carl Prince was well positioned to make an outstanding save. 73rd minute and some great build up play by the Manor saw almost exhibition Football from the Braves, Mitchell to Felice neat ball over to the left for Armstrong who placed the ball perfectly for Connolly who ran at the Boro defence and put a great ball into the penalty area for Felice who hit the ball just over the bar.

74th minute Sam Williams off for another 17 year old Bradley Mills. Manor didn't have it all their own way as the Boro still looked threatening with Church and Nigel Collins linking well, however, Manor's young George Fullbrook playing his first Senior game for a few months showed real class and calmness. 76th minute and The Manor attack again, Connolly collecting the ball from the half way line and ran down the left hand-side skipping past two Boro defenders to the by-line instantly crossing a ball into the air, Finn came out to collect and was challenged by Felice who headed the ball perfectly however, hitting the underside of the bar and cleared off the line.

The Manor now gaining in confidence and showing the passion that got them the nickname "The Braves". 79th Minute and Armstrong this time collects the ball down the centre and let rip a shot from 20 yards Finn there to make a tremendous save, the game now hotting up and you could sense something special was going to happen! The Boro now pinned into their own half and the Manor charging forward and then in the 81st minute it happened, Mitchell to Barnes back to Mitchell and a perfectly weighted ball over the Boro Midfield to Armstrong and from 30 yards placed a shot into the top right hand corner of the Boro Goal, a truly outstanding goal leaving Finn no chance at all. The Boro now concerned, the Manor continued to attack and find gaps in the Boro defence, however, to late in the game to pull level.

Romford did enough damage in the first half to take all 3 points, Credit to Romford they soaked up the pressure and in the main defended well. The Manor can take much pride for their performance in the second half today and should give them some confidence going into the game next Sunday in the First Round Proper of the FA Vase against March Town United.

Manor Man of the Match goes to Paul Docherty Showed his class along with a real Gutsy performance.

Scorers : Manor: Davey Armstrong (81) Romford: Clark (14) Benstock (28) Allan (Pen 31)

Manor: Prince, Barrett, Marsh (21), Mitchell (Capt), Barnes, Williams (74), Connolly, Docherty, S.Whitelock, Felice, Armstrong, Subs: Mills (74), Fullbrook (21), Jones.

Next game is at home to March Town United in the 1st Round Proper of the FA Vase on Sunday 24th October kick off at 3pm.