While Romford boss Paul Martin was generally pleased with how the Ryman League fixtures have beenworked out for his side, he feels September could be a big month for every side.
The schedule was released yesterday (Thursday) and sees Boro open up against Burnham Ramblers on August 9.
And though the League’s computer has not thrown up too many ‘bad’ ones in Martin’s eyes, he did question the nine games scheduled for September, and that’s not taking into consideration the FA Cup.
“I sat down and had a look at them and they aren’t too bad if I am honest, there’s not many bad fixtures in there,” said Martin.
“But I’ve looked at September and there are nine games. That could be tough for some of the sides which don’t have big squads.
“If you pick up any early injuries that could prove to be a big month.”
? Meanwhile, Boro got their pre-season friendlies up and running with a 3-0 win over Eton Manor on Wednesday night at Newbury Park.
Jack Barry, Abs Seymour and Ryan Imbert were all on target for Romford, and while pleased with the result, Martin is more concerned about his squad getting used to formations and tactics.
“It was nice for the boys to blow out a few cobwebs and you still take the clean sheet and three goals as positives,” said Martin.
“But at the end of the day it’s all about making sure the players get minutes under their belts, and start to learn the formations that we want to be playing this season.”
Next up for Boro is a home game against Saffron Walden Town, also at Ship Lane tomorrow, and it’s a game which will see Martin use the whole of his finalised 20-man squad.
“I’ve got 18 of the 20 signed up, but I’ll have made my mind on the other two by Saturday.”
Romford Ryman Division 1 North (Home fixtures in bold) Sat Aug 9: BURNHAM RAMBLERS
Tue Aug 12: Harlow Town
Sat Aug 16: Waltham Abbey
Wed Aug 20: DEREHAM TOWN
Sat Aug 23: Maldon & Tiptree
Mon Aug 25: GREAT WAKERING
Tue Sep 2: Brightlingsea Regent
Sat Sep 6: TILBURY
Wed Sep 10: REDBRIDGE
Sat Sep 13: Soham Town Rangers
Tue Sep 16: Chatham Town
Sat Sep 20: AVELEY
Wed Sep 24: CRAY WANDERERS
Sat Sep 27: Heybridge Swifts
Sat Sep 29: Barkingside
Sat Oct 4: NEEDHAM MARKET
Sat Oct 11: Wroxham
Sat Oct 25: AFC SUDBURY
Sat Nov 1: Thamesmead Town
Sat Nov 8: Cheshunt
Sat Nov 15: Ware
Sat Nov 22: Burnham Ramblers
Sat Nov 29: HARLOW TOWN
Sat Dec 6: Dereham Town
Sat Dec 13: WALTHAM ABBEY
Sat Dec 20: Brentwood Town
Fri Dec 26: THURROCK
Thu Jan 1: Great Wakering
Sat Jan 3: MALDON & TIPTREE
Sat Jan 10: BRIGHTLINGSEA REGENT
Sat Jan 17: Tilbury
Sat Jan 24: Redbridge
Sat Jan 31: SOHAM TOWN RANGERS
Sat Feb 7: Needham Market
Sat Feb 14: BARKINGSIDE
Sat Feb 21: AFC Sudbury
Sat Feb 28: WROXHAM
Sat Mar 7: CHATHAM TOWN
Sat Mar 14: Aveley
Sat Mar 21: HEYBRIDGE SWIFTS
Sat Mar 28: Cray Wanderers
Sat Apr 4: BRENTWOOD TOWN
Mon Apr 6: Thurrock
Sat Mar 11: THAMESMEAD TOWN
Sat Mar 18: Cheshunt
Sat Mar 25: WARE
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