Jack Barry of Romford challenges Lee Boylan of Maldon (Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO)

Barry: The boys are up for it

Romford captain Jack Barry is relishing his side’s trip to Ryman Division One North rivals Aveley tonight (Monday, 7.45pm).

Boro battled to a 1-1 draw at table-topping Maldon on Saturday, where Paul Clayton’s early header was cancelled out by an Ollie berquez goal on the stroke of half time.

And Barry believes his side has been good value on their four-game unbeaten run.

He said: “It was another great point earned away from home to a top of the league side and we deserved at least a point, if not all three.

“I thought their keeper had the most to do all game, in regards to our keeper, so in a way, I was disappointed having not won.

“But I guess we can’t argue with a point away to a team who have been top of the league all season and I think Grays would be happy with that as well.”

Romford-based Grays ran out 4-1 winners over Potters Bar at Rush Green, to move to within six points of the summit with four games in hand.

And Boro visit an Aveley side currently sitting in fourth place, despite a 4-1 defeat at Needham Market at the weekend.

Goals from Billy Hunt and Matt Toms saw Romford to a 2-1 win when the sides met at Ship Lane before Christmas and Barry added: “Games don’t come any easier as we play Aveley tonight, who are up there in the play-offs.

“We have the chance to do the double over them, which we will be looking to do and hope to upset their play-offs a little bit.

“We know it’s going to be a very tough game and we are ready for it and know what kind of playing surface we will have to deal with, that having been our home ground last season.

“But all the boys are up for it and hopefully we will put on a good performance.”