It was a return to the Mayesbrook Ground Barking for another all-Essex clash with Romford entertaining Chelmsford City. Chelmsford being from the National League South are 2 tiers higher than our Romford Town and so this was always going to be a tough test; and so it proved.

Being only one tier off the National League, Chelmsford had a decent following of supporters noticeably doubling the previous Mayesbrook crowd for Hashtag’s visit and providing a good atmosphere with spectators lining the full perimeter of the pitch for the first time in our Journey.

Chelmsford began lively and had the better of the chances during the first half, but Romford’s keeper Jake Anderson made several fine saves including a point-blank stop from City’s Da Costa followed shortly after by two further top-class saves just before the break to keep the scoreboard 0 – 0 at half time. Could this be a big cup upset we started to think?

Not so as on 56 minutes Khale Da Costa swept in a low cross from close range and when Adebola Oluwo fired in a volley on the hour, it was in effect all over. It certainly was when Da Costa scored a deflected goal with 72 minutes on the clock and rounded up a hat trick and fine display with a penalty on 78 minutes after Romford’s George Allen pulled back a City striker denying a goal-scoring opportunity for which he received his marching orders.

Blackwell rounded off the second half-rout with the 5th and Romford’s FA cup hopes for this year were over.

We really enjoyed our time with Romford who can take consolation of exiting with over £10,000 in cup prizemoney and achieving their highest crowd for 17 years at 336. We of course must now move on to Chelmsford City for the 4th Qualifying Round with high anticipation as they do appear a well-organised and entertaining outfit…. despite yet more travelling over to Essex!