Romford boss wants better to keep unbeaten run going

Table-topping Boro welcome FC Clacton to Barking’s Lawtech Stadium on Saturday, before visiting newcomers Frenford on Tuesday.

But they could be replaced at the summit by Woodford Town, who host Hullbridge Sports on Friday night.

“They’re two big games for us, we want to keep the unbeaten run going,” said Spinks. 

“Clacton will be tough. We lost to them in the cup [Peter Butcher Memorial Trophy semi-final] last season. They’re a big, strong side who put the ball in the box.

“They’re two different sides, who haven’t had the best of starts, but you can’t read too much into it yet.”

The Seasiders sit in mid-table, unbeaten in five matches in all competitions since losing their first fixture of the campaign at West Essex.

Frenford, meanwhile, have taken just two points from a possible 15 in their first season at step five after promotion from the Thurlow Nunn League.

Boro had to settle for a point against Sporting Bengal United – who came up with Frenford – after sharing six goals last weekend, but that took them above Woodford, who were in FA Cup action.

But the match was not without controversy, with Boro’s Jayden Silcott-Brown having a strong penalty claim turned down.

“The penalty was the most stonewall I’ve seen,” added Spinks.

“The linesman flagged but the ref hasn’t given it. We spoke after and he said he’d made a mistake, but we wasn’t good enough on the day to win the game.

“I can’t complain too much. We were missing a couple, but there’s no excuses. 

“We looked a bit nervous which is unusual for us. The first half was poor but we take the point and move on.”

Michael Turner put Boro ahead early on, but Steve Carvell levelled from a free-kick.

And although Hassan Nalbant restored the home side’s lead with his first goal of the season, Sheri Artmeladze got Bengal back on terms for a second time from the spot before the interval.

Salim Miah then put the visitors ahead at the start of the second half, but Ayo Odukoya – making his debut after joining from East Thurrock – set up Nalbant for his second just past the hour, with Bengal claiming the ball had gone out of play.

Nalbant’s brace was a positive for Spinks, who also had George Cox back in the squad after East Thurrock’s demise and is planning further changes.

“It was only a matter of time. Hassan has been excellent for us this season and I knew the goals would come,” he said.

“His hold-up play and link-up play has been excellent and I was pleased to see him get on the scoresheet. Hopefully there’s a lot more to follow.

“Ash Siddiq has signed. He scored for Stansted against us last season.

“A couple of others will move on after not playing as much but we will be keeping the core together.”