Boro beat Grays, Urchins head to Billericay

Romford returned from high-flying Grays with the Ryman Division One North points courtesy of a 2-1 Boxing Day win.

And Hornchurch will hope to complete a Havering double when they visit Premier Division leaders Billericay tomorrow (Tuesday, 2pm).

Boro were on the back foot in the first half at Rookery Hill, as Grays hit a post and forced Lamar Joseph-Johnson to make several saves.

Joe Oates had Romford’s best chance, meanwhile, but could not lift his shot over the advancing Grays keeper.

The home side, sitting in third place at the start of play, broke the deadlock on the hour when a free-kick from the left was headed over Joseph-Johnson and into the net.

Boro, with manager Paul Martin serving a two-game touchline ban, were back on terms minutes later, though.

Stand-in boss Keith Preston looked on delightedly from the dugout as Abs Seymour fired home from just inside the box after good work from Ellis Skidmore.

And the day got even better for club programme editor Preston, installed as manager for the day by online auction winner Alan Roe, when a Dave Ottley cross from the right found Seymour, who sent the ball back inside the far post for the winner with 15 minutes remaining.

Romford’s Jahmel Heywoord was given his marching orders for a second bookable offence soon after, but the visitors held on for three unexpected points.

Hornchurch head to New Lodge having slipped to fourth in the table.

Lewes climbed above Urchins after a 1-0 win at Hastings, but Jimmy McFarlane’s men could move to within a point of the leaders with success at Billericay.

And they will travel with confidence given the fact their away form has been exceptional this season, with nine wins from 10 league games on the road.

Lewis Smith serves a one-game ban, while Andy Tomlinson starts a three-game suspension for Urchins.