Ryman rivals return to winning ways

Romford and Hornchurch returned to winning ways in their respective Ryman League campaigns last night.

Both clubs had to settle for a point from 1-1 draws at the weekend, but were able to celebrate 2-0 wins in their latest outings.

Romford, following their draw with Needham Market, welcomed Division One North basement boys Ilford to Mill Field and took an early lead.

Addian Clifton’s free-kick from the left was headed back across goal by Wale Odedoyin for captain Paul Clayton to head home with only nine minutes gone.

And Boro doubled their advantage shortly before half-time when Jamie Dicks saw his low drive parried by Rob Budd and Odedoyin pounced on the loose ball to score.

The hosts had the better of the second half, but could not build on their lead.

And Ilford launched a late rally in a bid to get some reward, only to come up against a resolute Boro back line.

Boro boss Paul Martin said: “Ilford are at the bottom and their heads are down, but they will nick results.

“Elliott Anderson did well again and made a couple of important saves in the second half, otherwise it could’ve been 2-2.”

Hornchurch travelled to Premier Division rivals Margate, following a 1-1 home draw with Wealdstone.

And after a goalless first half, they took the lead in the 48th minute through Michael Spencer.

And Urchins made sure of the points with a second goal from Spencer 12 minutes from time, with victory lifting them to sixth in the table.

Chairman Colin McBride said: “It was a very even first half, but then we got the goal in the second.

“They came at us and we had to produce some great defending, getting bodies in the way of shots, then we went down the other end and scored again.

“Once we got that second goal it knocked the stuffing out of them a bit.”