Martin lauds two-goal Barry

Romford boss Paul Martin paid tribute to Jack Barry for his two-goal display in the 3-2 win at Ryman One North rivals Heybridge last night.

Boro were trailing 2-1 at Scraley Road when Barry fired them level and the youngster headed a winner early in the second half.

Victory allowed Boro to keep pace with their play-off rivals and Martin said: “Jack’s got great ability and is a great young prospect.

“He got a goal in the friendly at Hornchurch and he’s playing with confidence.

“I think he played 39 out of 42 league games for us last year as an 18-year-old. He started off as a centre-half and I’ve played him at right-back and right wing.

“It was a decent cross and decent header for the winner.”

Boro were held up en route after an accident on the A12 and fell behind almost immediately to a Tom English penalty.

Alex Read got them back on terms soon after, but English struck for a second time from the spot to put Swifts 2-1 up, before Barry took centre stage.

“The accident on the A12 caught a few people out, but we couldn’t have left any earlier,” said Martin.

“Our preparation was not too good, but we got there in the end.”