Ryman Div 1N: Romford 3 Waltham Abbey 1

Romford moved up to eighth after defeating Abbey in their final home match of the season last night.

Goals from Ben Jones, Lewis Francis and Nick Reynolds gave Boro all three points at Ship Lane, against an Abbey side playing their fourth match in six days.

Romford took the lead in the 11th minute when Ben Jones scored his second goal of the season, after tapped in an inviting cross from Lewis Francis.

Michael Sammut started the move, playing Francis in on the right, and he took the ball forward before whipping a ball across the six-yard box that lured Jack Whincup out of his goal and allowed Jones to score.

Abbey had gone close to taking the lead themselves moments earlier but Charlie Nash lobbed over the bar.

And just four minutes after Boro had opened the scoring, the hosts doubled their lead.

Creator of their first goal, Francis scored the next as he flicked the ball into the far corner after a sensational 45-yard half volley pass by Jamie Dicks had put him through on goal.

Abbey’s most threatening player James Peagram twice nearly reduced the deficit.

First he tested Atu Ngoy, then he smashed a free kick from 30 yards out onto the crossbar, and Dean Green’s rebound effort was saved by Ngoy’s legs to ensure it stayed 2-0 at the break.

Abbey were on top for most of the second half and with just over 15 minutes remaining grabbed a goal back through Tom Laxton’s sensational dipping half volley from 25 yards.

Minutes earlier Ngoy had made a stunning reaction save from Laxton’s deflected effort, but the Boro keeper was left hopeless this time as the volley sailed over his head and into the net.

Boro had let a two-goal lead slip against Waltham Forest on Saturday, but to the relief of the home fans, Reynolds slammed home his 15th goal of the season in the last minute to seal the points.

Seymour headed the ball back into the area, and Reynolds swivelled and smashed past Whincup to move Paul Martin’s men on to 61 points ahead of their season finale at Brentwood tomorrow.

Romford: Ngoy, Ottley (Barry 90), Woodward, Ishmail, Dicks, Clayton, Sammut, Seymour, Reynolds, Francis, Jones (Blessing 90).