HALSTEAD Town were beaten 3-1 at Romford in their latest Essex Senior League game, writes KEN GILLIARD.

Despite heavy rain accounting for a number of fixtures during the course of the weekend, the game went ahead on the 3G surface at Barking, home of Romford.

Halstead went into the match on the back of two wins and made just one change, with Jordan Palmer returning to the starting line-up.

Romford started on the front foot with a couple of attacks but it was Halstead who created the first real chance.

Tom White linked up with Alfie Cleal who laid off for Jordan Blackwell on the edge of the area but his effort was comfortable for the goalkeeper.

There was a quick Romford counter-attack and Joshua Osude played in Camilo Restrepo, who got to the by-line and fired just wide.

Minutes later, Restrepo got away again but shot over.

As the half hour mark loomed a great solo run from Romford's George Cox saw him get to the edge of box but see his shot well saved by Jack Cherry.

But minutes later Romford opened their account when Tamberson Eyong tapped home from a corner.

Romford almost increased their advantage but a great save from Cherry denied Lewis Smith from close range.

The visitors did have their chances and Joel Older saw his effort cleared off the line by a retreating defender, after sliding the ball under the keeper.

Cherry was once again needed to save his side and pulled off a couple of great saves and the half finished with the Humbugs a goal down to their hosts.

Romford were again quick out of the blocks in the second half and Cherry was called into action almost immediately, pulling off a couple of good saves.

However he couldn’t prevent the Boro extending their advantage when Restrepo finished off a good move for the hosts.

There were a few glimpses for Halstead and White played in Older but he fired his effort over.

The game switched to the other end and Lewis Smith fired home for Boro, although Halstead were appealing for a foul on Joe Jones, who was sin binned.

However, minutes later numbers were equalled out as Eyong got sin binned for Boro.

Halstead's Jack Schelvis saw his goalbound effort deflected over for a corner and the visitors reduced the arrears when Joe Jones tapped home from six yards.

Romford keeper Jake Anderson made a fabulous save to deny Ryan Carter soon after and Older fired wide.

With the clock ticking down Anderson denied both Blackwell and Jones but Romford claimed victory, leaving the visitors ruing some missed chances and a slow start to the second half.