Romford boss Butterworth relishing FA Cup test against Saffron Walden Town
Emmanuel Robe celebrates scoring for Romford at Buckhurst Hill in their Essex Senior League clash - Credit: David Loveday/TGS Photo
Romford boss Steve Butterworth is relishing their FA Cup extra preliminary round tie with Saffron Walden Town on Saturday.
Boro welcome the Bloods to Mayesbrook Park, having opened the Essex Senior League campaign with a 2-1 win at Buckhurst Hill last weekend.
And Butterworth feels he will get a better idea of his side's strengths as they battle it out for £1,125 in prize money and a home tie against Redbridge or Takeley.
Romford manager Steve Butterworth looks on at Buckhurst Hill on the first day of the Essex Senior League season - Credit: David Loveday/TGS Photo
"Saffron Walden were runners-up last year and are always there or thereabouts," he said.
"They will be in and around the mix, like they always have been, so we should have a clearer indication of where we are at by 5pm on Saturday."
Jesse Olukolu of Romford battles with Buckhurst Hill's Henry Day - Credit: David Loveday/TGS Photo
The Boro boss should have goalkeeper Billy Lawlor, striker Kris Newby and Alex Balisani available after missing their league opener, when
Emmanuel Robe struck early in each half against the Stags, before Fehinti Falola hit back midway through the second half.
Romford's Danny Hurford on the ball against Buckhurst Hill - Credit: David Loveday/TGS Photo
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"The three new faces will make a big difference," he added.
"We were not at our most clinical to say the least. Our keeper's paperwork hadn't been completed so we drafted in another one [Jake Anderson] and knew nothing about him, but he did very well.
Romford goalkeeper Jake Anderson catches a cross against Buckhurst Hill - Credit: David Loveday/TGS Photo
"They were a lot better than I thought, they kept the ball well, we sat in a bit and played on the counter.
"You could see we had that bit of quality, we've got pace and power with the young lads. All we could do was go and get three points.
Alfie Harris of Buckhurst Hill and Romford's Jake Gordon battle for the ball - Credit: David Loveday/TGS Photo
"It's hard to judge, Buckhurst Hill have come up, they were missing their top goalscorer, so it's impossible to say."
Newby struck twice in a hastily-arranged 5-1 midweek friendly at Bowers, with Danny Hurford, Robe (penalty) and Balisani also on target.
And Butterworth admits his first week could not have gone much better.
Tyler Dolan of Buckhurst Hill and Romford's Tambeson Eyong battle for the ball - Credit: David Loveday/TGS Photo
"It's almost been too easy so far, getting three points, with the additions to come and fringe players doing well," he said.
"But we're only one game in. We've got the FA Cup, FA Vase and, if we win this weekend, another FA Cup on the next three Saturdays and one midweek game in the league.
"It's an opportunity to make a statement or see if we are still short of one or two."
Romford's Scott Doe heads over against Buckhurst Hill - Credit: David Loveday/TGS Photo
Experienced defender Scott Doe made his return to the side - following a brief spell in 2020 - alongside Tambeson Eyong in the heart of Boro's defence, while another former Hornchurch player in Martin Tuohy came off the bench.
And Butterworth hopes Doe can have a big impact, adding: "He is friends with Tambeson and lives in Barking so we had a chat and his experience will be massive for us.
"We've got a lot of young lads with raw talent and hope he will be a great addition."
