Romford manager Paul Martin (Gavin Ellis/TGSPHOTO)

Back-to-back wins boost Boro boss

Romford manager Paul Martin was pleased with his side’s Ryman Division One North win against Waltham Abbey last night.

James Ishmail and Kurt Smith netted in the last 20 minutes to seal the points at Capershotts and Martin said: “It was a positive 2-0 away win. Everyone put in their shift and listened well.

“I can’t really single anyone out as being better than anyone else, as everyone put in a good performance and everyone deserves the praise.”

Martin was also pleased with his side’s improved defensive displays, after a third clean sheet in four outings.

He added: “Overall it was a good result for the boys. We’ve kept three clean sheets in four games and if you can keep clean sheets you put yourself in the position to keep winning games.”

Defender Ishmail scored his first ever goal for the club in his 95th appearance and Boro boss Martin was keen to praise him.

He said: “I’m delighted for the boy. He’s played in different positions for us in the past while we’ve tried to find the right role for him but he’s been immense lately and it was thoroughly deserved and well celebrated.

“We keep telling the young guys to keep gambling and it was a good cross and a good finish.”

Ishmail’s back post header from a free-kick broke the deadlock in the 70th minute before a handled backpass in injury time allowed Smith to smash home a second from an indirect free-kick.

Martin was also encouraged by the performance of new signing Kieran English, who made his debut after joining from Essex Olympian League side Hutton.

“Kieran did really well in his first outing,” said Martin. “He hasn’t played at this level for a while so his match fitness is a little below par, but he went out and did the job we wanted and put in a much-needed performance.

“I’d also like to dedicate that win to Dave Smith. He’s been a loyal supporter of the team for a long time and it was nice to get the win for him on his 65th birthday.”