Romford manager Paul Martin admits he is beginning to panic about his side ahead of the new Ryman One North season on August 9.

He witnessed his side lose 2-0 to Grays Athletic on Saturday as part of the Millers Challenge Invitational held at Aveley’s Mill Field.

And though they went on to win 2-0 against a youthful East Thurrock side the following day, thanks to goals from Miguel Lopes Dematos and Dave Ottley, Martin is getting concerned with less than a fortnight before the start of the season.

“At the end of the day it’s match fitness which counts, but I was very disappointed in how our style of football was,” said Martin.

“Our commitment on the pitch wasn’t good enough. Alright the pitch is long and the ball isn’t moving quick enough in the grass but I am technically frustrated. I am not going to lie, I am panicking a little bit.

“If you lose 4-0 and create 10 chances you don’t panic as much, but when you lose 2-0 and they hit the woodwork a few times and their goalkeeper has had one save to make, that’s a concern.

“East Thurrock and ourselves have both put out young teams and I put a little bit of a stronger side out late on in the game and it still didn’t work.

“We should be beating East Thurrock reserves and under-21s, there’s no arguments about that but there still wasn’t enough hunger for me out there.”