Romford manager Dan Spinks believes they should have got at least a point against Essex Senior League leaders Tilbury - but was more than happy with his side's efforts.

A 56th minute goal given to Sam Carter was enough for the Dockers to claim a 1-0 win at Rookery Hill and stay seven points clear at the top.

Romford are a further four points behind in third but the boss is happy with the way they are playing at the moment.

Romford Recorder: Romford fell to a tough 1-0 loss at home to Tilbury in the Essex Senior League. Picture: BOB KNIGHTLEYRomford fell to a tough 1-0 loss at home to Tilbury in the Essex Senior League. Picture: BOB KNIGHTLEY (Image: Bob Knightley)

Spinks said: "There was nothing between the two sides if I’m honest with you. 

"It was a good battle for 90 minutes and there were only a few half chances for each of us, but they got one from a corner. 

"It should have been 0-0 on the day but as I said to the boys, that's football. 

"When you play against good sides, it's always going to be a tight game with small margins. 

"To give credit where it's due, I was pleased with all of them, they gave me everything again. 

"No complaints. We played against a good side and they know they’ve had a tough game too." 

The fact they were able to push the side touted as champions-elect all the way filled the Romford boss with immense pride, but also left him lamenting missed chances and dropped points earlier in the season.

"We’ve seen the levels we are at and we knew it would be close," said Spinks.

"I wish we could go and start [the season] over again because there were a couple of results we let go that you look back on and think they were a little bit disappointing. 

"But that’s why Tilbury are [top], they’ve put them games to bed early doors and we haven’t. 

"We didn't lose any credit on Saturday." 

Next up is another home game against Frenford and while the visitors are struggling at the other end of the table to Boro, Spinks is not counting his chickens.

He said: "Earlier in the season we beat Tilbury but lost to Frenford. 

"You've got to be at it in every game in this league. You have to be fighting. 

"They got a good point at Halstead [on Tuesday] so I think it will be another tough game. They’ve also got a few boys who were with us at the start of the season. 

"I want to see a reaction from Tilbury though. 

"We were obviously a bit downbeat for a couple of days but Tuesday’s training was good and we've still got enough to play for at the club, loads to play for. 

"I expect us to carry on as we have been." 

Romford will have Darren Phillips back from suspension while Dan Nakipov should be back in the squad after a six-week injury lay-off.