Martin: Tough games coming up

Romford begin a run of four away games with a trip to Ryman One North rivals Enfield Town tomorrow (Saturday).

And manager Paul Martin says Boro will go into the clash with confidence, after taking four points from six this week.

After a 1-1 draw with Needham Market at the weekend, Boro beat basement boys Ilford 2-0 in midweek.

He said: “Our target was 20 points before Christmas and we’ve got 13 so we’re well on the march.

“We’ve got two tough games coming up in the league and four away on the spin altogether. But since losing our first game, we’ve got unbeaten in the league so the positives are there.”

Boro visit Chatham on Tuesday, then travel to Bedford in the FA Trophy before a trip to Tilbury on October 11.

“No-one has looked that much better than us this season, but there’s probably a lot saying that at the moment.

“There are some funny results every week, but we’ll keep mixing it up.

“Our squad is big so I’ve got to make sure I rotate. I’ve always done that and I’ve done okay.

“The hardest thing is a few of them are not happy at not playing, but you’ve got to win as a squad.

“And if they haven’t got the hump about it then they’re not that bothered.”

Lamar Joseph-Johnson began a 42-day suspension on Monday this week, while Hyun Jin-Lee remains sidelined with an ankle injury.

But Kurt Smith is getting nearer to full fitness and Adrian Clifton has also made an impression since his return from Cyprus.

Martin added: “The team could only sign two foreign players and wanted him as cover. He’s a good asset for us and we’ll use him until something else crops up for him.”

Hornchurch welcome Wingate to Bridge Avenue tomorrow (Saturday) and host Bury on Tuesday, having climbed to sixth place in the Ryman Premier Division.

Urchins followed a 1-1 draw with Wealdstone with a 2-0 win at Margate in midweek, but will be without Jonathan Hunt, whose broken wrist will remain in plaster until Monday week.

Dave McSweeney remains a doubt, but it is hoped Aaron Gayle can return to the squad this weekend.

Manager Jimmy McFarlane said: “I said the next four games would be tough but we’ve done well in the first two of them and hopefully we’ll continue that form and keep working just as hard.

“You’ve got to look to win all your home games if you’re going to do well in this league.

“We’ll keep plugging away and I’ll be really happy if we are where we are now at Christmas.”