FA Cup: League success is priority for Romford boss

Romford boss Dan Spinks says a run in the FA Cup is not the priority this season, as they head to Halstead Town for an extra preliminary round tie on Saturday.

Spinks helped Boro reach the third qualifying round last year, as assistant to manager Steve Butterworth, before bowing out to National League South side Chelmsford City.

That run – courtesy of four wins, including upsets of Hashtag United and Potters Bar Town – helped the club claim over £10,000 in prize money, but affected their chances in the Essex Senior League, along with their run in the FA Vase.

And Spinks said: “We had a good run but I’m not demanding the same results this year, it’s league first.

“If we do well, we will take it. But the league is the priority this year.

“The cups are enjoyable and you get that buzz. The whole thing last year was brilliant. Winning at Potters Bar, beating Hashtag, even the Chelmsford game, although they beat us.

“And the Vase game in Jersey, the result didn’t go our way, but it made the season.”

Romford enjoyed two wins at Halstead last season, in the Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy shortly before Butterworth’s departure, and at the end of the Essex Senior League season.

It was only their 14th match under Spinks and he added: “Halstead was the last game of last season and it will be a good battle.

“They’ve had a decent start and I expect a good game and a good crowd.

“We’ve got a coach with the fans and we’re looking forward to another day out.”

Boro got the 2023-24 campaign off to a fine start with a 5-1 win over Saffron Walden Town last Friday.

Finlay Dorrell hit a hat-trick at the Lawtech Stadium, with Bruno Gomes and Sonny Shilling also on target ahead of a midweek date with Buckhurst Hill.

“I wasn’t sure if we were ready but we got that extra 15 per cent from the boys and I couldn’t ask for more,” said Spinks.

“I was over the moon but it’s still very early. It’s something to build on, the boys have set the standards but there is still improvements to be made.

“We’ve been working on patterns of play on the training ground and we will look to go again.

“It was probably not their best performance and we will have bigger tests but you can only beat what is in front of you.

“We will take it one half at a time and see where we are.”

Boro return to league action with a trip to Great Wakering Rovers on Tuesday.