Romford's women began the new year with an excellent 3-0 win over Hutton Reserves in their first game for five weeks but said farewell to coach Jason Murray who is leaving to take up the managerial position at Clapton FC.

Boro began in effervescent style and Sammie Kuski nearly scored from kick-off after a through ball from debutant Holly Winser.

They were in front just six minutes later when Shannon Simpson took an Izzy Kearns pass on her chest, turned and powered past two defenders before crossing for Kuski to convert.

The lead was doubled after 15 minutes when Claire Huggins gathered a loose ball from a Hutton corner, broke quickly to release Simpson and her thunderbolt from a tight angle was too hot for the visiting keeper to handle.

But Boro were indebted to Jamie Williams for some safe handling as Hutton looked to threaten on the break, while Simpson, Huggins and Sharmari Crawford all had opportunities to extend the lead further.

The contest was settled just after the interval when Sian Lakes and Huggins combined to release the outstanding Simpson, who skilfully chipped the advancing keeper for fourth goal in two games and sixth of the season.

Winser enjoyed a sensational debut in central midfield as the latest graduate from the U16 girls' team, giving a player-of-the-match appearance.

Hutton wasted two fine chances to reduce the deficit but battled gamely until the final whistle in freezing conditions.

Simpson was forced to limp off before the end, with what is hopefully a minor injury, and Murray was left emotional at the end of the game.

"The game definitely had a just-after-Christmas feel to it," he said.

"We lacked our normal fluency and that was most noticeable whilst looking for that final ball, which was either overhit or undercooked.

"We showed glimpses of what we're capable of but looked very much like a team that hasn't had a competitive match for a month.

"I've really enjoyed my stay at Romford FC and working with this wonderful group of people. I will remain a Boro Belle fan and keep a keen eye on their results."

Boro travel to local rivals Tigers for their next league fixture.