Chatham Town 0 Romford 2

Match 54/13/1081 - Saturday, 25th January 2014 - Ryman North

Chatham Town (0) 0
Romford (1) 2 Richardson 45, Imbert 64
Att. 160

Entrance: £5 Senior
Programme: £2
Mileage: 32/5,528

Match Report

Sounding like a poor man’s John Motson, I spoke out loud “Oooh, that’s a good hit, lad” and as the ball arrowed into the top corner, “oh my god, that really is a good hit”. My explanation was one of surprise as the shot had been out of context in a game of mediocrity. In fairness, on a heavy pitch that had survived an inspection, where others locally had failed, it was no surprise that both sides found it difficult to come to terms with the surface.

For the third time in the last month, and that doesn’t include the wasted journey to Stevenage, the destination of the afternoon’s entertainment had been changed by a postponement, this time at Tunbridge Wells, who despite the investment in the close season are struggling with the weather and a pitch that doesn’t drain well. In my consideration, I thought of going to Conference South leaders Bromley, but decided on the easier journey option to Chatham.

One of my thoughts regarding Bromley was that I might get to see Alfie May, even if it might only be coming off their bench, so it was a little surprising to see May in the Chatham line-up for their game against Romford. I knew of May’s dual registration but I thought that he might be required at Hayes Lane.

Young Alfie is my flavour of the month and in the opening half of this match he didn’t disappoint. He is constantly in the centre of the action, good or not so good. His first contribution was an unnecessary booking as he chased down a ball into the area and made a challenge on the goalkeeper which he wasn’t really entitled to make as the goalkeeper was always going to get there first. He went on to force good saves from Romford’s custodian before the visitors took a first half lead on the stroke of half-time when Tom Richardson poked the ball home through a crowded penalty area.

Romford, who brought a decent following to bolster the crowd to 160, had a far greater control of the game in the second half despite May’s best efforts to find an equaliser.

The Motson moment came on 64 minutes and I was perfectly positioned to see the flight of the ball as Ryan Imbert took aim 30 yards from goal with an angled drive. It was a superbly hit strike that left the Chats Jack Bradshaw a mere spectator as it arrowed past.

It was not to be the Chats day as Ade Yussef crashed a penalty against the bar with 15 minutes remaining.

On the journey home the heaven’s opened once more with a violent storm which I can only imagine will leave Tonbridge’s midweek game against Ebbsfleet a serious doubt once more. Mind you, Chatham are once more at home on Tuesday, if I turn up many more times at Maidstone Road, Alfie [May] feel he has a stalker!