Centre-back enjoys midfield outing

Romford’s James Ishmail was delighted to be given the opportunity to play in centre midfield against Sudbury on Saturday.

It was a chance Ishamil had been waiting a while for now and, after impressing in a 1-0 win, it is something he hopes continues.

He said: “It was great to get involved in there on Saturday. I felt it went really well and we got the win.

“I’ve played there a lot prior to Romford so that helped.”

Ishmail, 21, has been a regular at centre-back this season, but still had his heart set on midfield.

And he revealed that a conversation with manager Paul Martin a few weeks ago led him to believe he might get his chance soon enough.

He added: “He knew I’d played there before and never ruled it out, but he told me that I would be getting my chance sooner rather than later, to my delight.”

A late goal from Jamie Dicks earned Boro all three points, taking them past their target of 56.

And, as Martin felt Ishmail played a key part, he is hoping to continue in this role at Great Wakering on Saturday, with the defence looking solid and captain Paul Clayton suspended.

Ishmail added: “I hope I play there Saturday. The gaffer hasn’t said anything to me, but with the defence playing well, keeping a clean sheet and Clayts suspended we could be light on midfielders.”

The now versatile Ishmail also revealed that while he had played midfield previously with Jack Barry, his other team-mates still were not convinced.

On the eve of the game he was he reminded again by keeper Elliott Anderson.

“He told me I never had been a midfielder and to stick to defending!” said Ishmail.

“It took a little bit of time to adjust. Mainly because you get so little time on the ball in midfield, but more of it!

“Once I settled it felt good.”