Romford’s walking football teams produced a series of impressive performances in cup competition, narrowly missing out on places in the next stages despite several strong displays.

Romford Over-50s B took part in the first round of the Essex Walking Football League Cup and acquitted themselves superbly against higher-ranked opposition.

Neil Clements, Steve Phillips, Lloyd Stevens, Gary Waller, Chandra Nair, Martin Byrne, and Russell Hudson opened their campaign with a hard-fought goalless draw against Division One leaders Concord Rangers.

The standout moment came from goalkeeper Clements, who preserved the clean sheet with an excellent penalty save in a tense and closely contested encounter.

Romford then turned on the style against fellow Division Three side Chelmsford City.

Two goals from Waller and a well-taken strike from Byrne secured an impressive victory as Boro produced a clinical and controlled display.

Romford's walking football teams produced a series of impressive performances in cup competition, narrowly missing out on places in the next stages despite several strong displays.
Romford Over-50s B took part in the first round of the Essex Walking Football League Cup and acquitted themselves superbly against higher-ranked opposition. — Pic credit: Romford FC

Their final group match against Division Two outfit Blackmore Athletic ended in a 1-1 draw.

Hudson was on target for Romford, who felt unfortunate not to claim all three points after a controversial equaliser left the bench frustrated.

Despite their efforts, Boro finished second on goal difference and just missed out on Finals Day.

The club’s main Over-50s side also impressed in the FA Walking Football Cup.

Neil Clements, Paul Killoran, Gary Waller, Stephen Phillips, Steve Coatman, Chandra Nair, Russell Hudson, and Stuart Deverill began with a 1-0 victory over local rivals Leyton Orient, with Hudson scoring on his debut.

A goalless draw against Valley Green followed before another Hudson strike earned a 1-0 win over Clacton Knights.

A narrow 1-0 defeat to Blackmore Athletic in the final group match left Romford level on seven points with both Clacton and Blackmore.

A three-way penalty shoot-out was required to determine qualification.

Romford defeated Blackmore but lost to Clacton in sudden death, leaving them agonisingly short of a place in the regional finals.

Meanwhile, Romford Over-60s also went close to progressing.

Paul Poole, Sean Mallet, Tom Lemon, Neil Monks, Lloyd Stevens, Liam Flanagan, and Mick Tillett opened with a 1-0 win over Leyton Orient before following up with a 2-0 victory against Stones Athletic.

However, a 2-0 defeat to Clacton Knights in their final fixture saw them finish second in the group and miss out on qualification.

Monks scored twice during the campaign, while Flanagan added the other goal.

Joint manager Sean Mallet praised the squad’s efforts and highlighted another notable milestone, with victories in the opening two matches extending the team’s remarkable unbeaten run to 50 league and cup games dating back to the second league game of last season.

Source: https://www.romfordrecorder.co.uk/sport/26450142.romford-walking-football-teams-narrowly-miss-cup-finals/