Romford need to get rolling and find confidence says boss

Boro head to bottom club Coggeshall Town on Saturday, having snatched defeat from the jaws of victory against Takeley last weekend.

They led 3-1 midway through the second half after a brace from Hassan Nalbant and Henry Hart’s first goal for the club.

But Darren Phillips was then dismissed and Takeley took full advantage with three goals in quick succession to run out 4-3 winners.

And Boro slipped to sixth as a result, six points behind leaders Woodford having played a game more, to the immense frustration of Spinks.

“We were awful against Stanway [in a 3-1 defeat] the week before, but Saturday was one of those days where it didn’t go our way,” he said.

“Performance-wise I was a lot more pleased. We started a bit slow in the first 15 minutes but changed shape and got into it.

“We were the better side and at 3-1 up I was sitting back feeling comfortable.

“I could only see us winning by more, but then a mistake and we give a goal away and they get their hopes up.

“We look vulnerable when things go against us and that’s been the case for the last two or three weeks.”

Nalbant opened the scoring against the run of play, before sending Hart clear to double the lead with a composed finish.

A speculative long-range effort gave Takeley hope before the break, but Nalbant made it 3-1 seven minutes after the restart.

However, Phillips was shown a straight red card – his second and Boro’s fifth of the season – and 10-man Boro were punished.

Having seen his side concede 13 goals in three games Spinks was set to make changes for their midweek Essex Senior Cup tie against Athletic Newham, who won 5-0 in the FA Vase at the weekend.

“Discipline has been awful. I thought the red card was a bit harsh but he gave the ref something to think about,” he said.

“There’s no excuses. That’s twice he has been now this season.

“We will have some new faces to look at and others will get an opportunity.

“We’ve got 25 at the club and a few who have been out with injuries will get some minutes.

“Kris Newby is back from his holiday and will play and Darren will play now he is suspended in the league.

“I keep saying we’re supposed to win these games and we don’t.

“We need to get rolling again to get some confidence back in the camp.”

Boro have also been handed a home tie in the FA Vase second round, with Spartan South Midlands League side Crawley Green visiting on November 11.

“I don’t know much about them, but I’ve asked a few questions,” said Spinks.

“We’re at home and will take them on. It’s our first game in the Vase this year and we’ve got five or six cup finals in that.”