Romford boss hoping for boost in tough FA Vase tie

Boro welcome Mildenhall Town to East Thurrock for a third-round tie, bidding for a place in the last 32.

But their opponents are flying high in the Thurlow Nunn League Premier Division, having taken 43 points from a possible 48 so far this season.

Spinks is hoping his side can put their name in the hat for the fourth-round draw, having enjoyed a good run in last season’s competition.

“We enjoyed the Vase last year so much and we’re looking forward to it,” said Spinks.

“The next round is not so regionalised so there could be some travelling.

“I’ve not had many reports but it will be a tough game looking at their record. They look solid with a few ex-Bury boys coming out of step four.

“They’re doing very well but I don’t know how competitive their league is compared to the Essex Senior, who knows?

“But the bigger games suit us. We get up for it and can beat anyone on our day.”

Boro go into the fixture on the back of a disappointing home defeat against Essex Senior League rivals Hullbridge Sports last weekend.

Solomon Ofori’s fifth-minute effort proved the difference between the sides on the day, as Boro failed to find the net for the first time this season.

Charlie Morris and Kris Newby were denied by Lamar Jospeh-Johnson saves, while Junior Luke headed wide.

Henry Hart and Morris missed the target in the second half, with Morris having an 89th-minute effort cleared off the line.

“We went behind in the first five minutes, a deflected cross over the keeper’s head, facing the sun, these things happen,” added Spinks.

“But the rest of the first half was 50-50 and second half we could’ve won 4-0.

“They never came out, Jake never had a save to make. We just couldn’t find the net.

“They’re a solid side who set up with two banks of four, but I was pleased with our performance and told them we’ve played worse and won.

“It was one of those days. The pitch was a bit boggy and I think we had three off the line, it wasn’t falling for us in the right areas.

“But I can’t knock the effort, the battling and the work rate.

“It’s disappointing points-wise, with Tilbury now getting away a bit. It looks like it will be a battle for the play-offs.”

Defeat left Boro five points behind leaders Tilbury, who have two games in hand, and they will be without the suspended Mike Turner this weekend.

Scott Doe returns from holiday, while Malaki Toussaint is also back at the club, but George Cox is set to depart and Spinks is hoping for a fairytale ending.

“It’s George’s last game for us, as he is going travelling,” he said.

“If I could have 11 George Coxes in my side I would do. He is brilliant with younger players and older players and a great character.

“He will be a big loss for us but he did say ‘I’ll notch before I go!'”