SAMBRIDGE ENSURES HONOURS EVEN

Blues walking wounded ground out a draw against a Romford side who have so far failed to live up to expectations given the pedigree within their squad. Still missing seven regulars and with the bench numbering youth players, some of whom had played 24 hours earlier the result continued Blues bright start to the season. Jim Cooper unable to field a fully fit eleven since the start of the season praised his players after the game for their resilience and commitment to the cause. Going a goal behind after a dubious free kick they levelled on the stroke of half time through Joe Agunbiade, his second in as many games. Boro' were then awarded a penalty in the second period brilliantly saved by Danny Sambridge and some would say justice was done after another questionable decision by the referee. The game was never a classic, failing to spark into life and clearly Blues exertions after Tuesday night's win at Tilbury had an affect - losing lone striker Darrelle Russell through injury at half time didn't help their cause but they battled on to share the spoils.

A tepid opening and a half chance falling to Lee Newton and a weak free kick from Mitch Hahn was the only excitement at that stage - Agunbiade did have a chance when he was set up after good approach work, Mathew Cafer saving comfortably.

Boro' opened the scoring on 16 minutes in controversial style, Darrelle Russell chasing a through ball tussled with Joshua Exley Banks it appeared the Romford man had pulled Russell back but the official thought otherwise and awarded a free kick the other way. Cafer launched the ball forward Jay May touched the ball on to Newton who muscled his way past Ashley Miller and Pat Ahern prodding past the advancing Sambridge.

The decision was not the first to go against Blues during the 90 minutes but they stuck to their task - Ryan Sammons causing a stir when he cut inside producing another save from Cafer.

Boro' were now edging possession until Cooper made a tactical change on the half hour mark pushing Roy Omolabi into midfield, the move had an immediate effect when the youngster drove forward down the flank laying the ball into Russell , turning quickly his shot struck the woodwork rebounding to safety.

The half continued in similar vein lacking intensity and goalmouth action, Boro' pumped long balls forward looking to use the height of Jay May to their advantage, but it was not easy on the eye and not troubling Blues back line.

On the stroke of half time Blues levelled the score. Clever approach work presented a shooting opportunity for Hahn saved at the expense of a corner by Cafer - from the kick the ball fell to Ogunbiade who made no mistake firing low into the bottom corner.

HT 1-1

Russell failed to appear after the break forcing another reshuffle - Thompson Adeyemi coming on and Mitch Hahn pushed up as a makeshift striker.

The game was now a more open affair but still lacked sparkle - play ebbed and flowed end to end without causing either defences any worrying moments or excitement for both sets of supporters, until another questionable decision by the referee this time a penalty. Sammons tangled with Jesse Olukolu on the edge of the box with the Romford man going to ground, initially the referee appeared to award a free kick but following vociferous appeals from Boro' and consultation with his assistant he pointed to the spot, the kick brilliantly saved by Sambridge.

After that let off Romford came close to making amends for the miss when Olukou whipped in a dangerous cross just eluding Newton - Blues replied in the shape of Adeyemi who had a great chance to put them in front but scuffed his shot and was cleared.

The stalemate continued, chances although few were scorned by both sides with the final whistle bringing to an end a low key affair, the result favouring Blues given the their current injury plight.

Sambridge,Sammons, Fox, Miller, Ahern, Omolabi, Levett, Hahn Russell (Adeyemi 46), Paxman, Agunbiade (Baker 78)

Subs not used:Edwards, Madu