Martin pleased with striker’s progress

Romford manager Paul Martin believes injury has helped Ryan Imbert become a better striker.

Imbert netted his third goal in three games as Boro slipped to a 2-1 defeat at Ryman One North rivals Waltham Abbey at the weekend.

That came after an opening-day double in the 4-0 win over Burnham and Martin said: “Ryan’s the in-form forward. He has really found some confidence.

“Sometimes he’s took quick for his own feet, but he’s had a little knocked and it has slowed him up.

“It’s made him think a but more and now he’s holding back a bit and playing better.”

Defeat against Abbey came after a 1-0 reverse at Harlow, but Martin has been pleased with the performances of his side in their first three league matches.

They are due to welcome Dereham, 4-0 winners over Redbridge at the weekend, to Ship Lane tomorrow and Martin added: “Dereham beat us twice last year and are a strong side. It’s a tough first month for us.

“I would’ve liked 12 points at the end of it, but I will take six or nine now.

“We’ve got to be patient. We’ve got time on our hands and we’ve not looked out of shape so far.

“Paul Preston has impressed in the three games and Nathan Cooper looked good at Harlow too, but was unavailable at the weekend due to work commitments. George Cocklin came in and did fantastic on Saturday and the new players are gradually pushing the old faces out.

“Competition is good and the old players enjoy it. But I’m hoping to have a couple more new faces, including a new forward who just needs a few games under his belt.”