Romford Women hit back to hold Essex League leaders Toby

Boro took a while to come to terms with the direct approach of the hosts, who looked to get their quick front pair in behind the visiting back line and took the lead with a superb strike from the edge of the box.

But as the half went on, Romford grew into the game and were indebted to keeper Jamie Williams as she pulled off a vital double save.

Georgia Maxwell-Jones forced saves from the Toby keeper with long range efforts and Claire Huggins looked like adding to her tally after an impressive run but shot inches wide of the left post.

Sam Kuski fired high and wide from a great position on the each of the box, and Huggins lifted a shot over when a wonderful passing move found her running clear.

But disaster struck early in the second half, when Katrina Smith’s right foot got caught in the turf and a scan at hospital showed she had torn her ankle ligaments and will need surgery.

Romford appeared galvanised after a 20-minute delay and moments after the restart saw Dominika Pavlovska released on the right to cut the ball back for Maxwell-Jones, who was denied by a last-ditch block.

With time running out a Maxwell-Jones corner saw skipper Alice Sharpe challenge for a loose ball and slide home to level. And Maxwell-Jones went close again, before Williams saved a late Toby breakaway.

“Our thoughts are with Katrina, and we hope she makes a speedy recovery,” said manager Jason Murray.

“I would also like to mention the referee, Yaz Satter, who handled the entire game and the unfortunate situation incredibly well. We’re very quick to mention refereeing when we think they’ve a bad game, so credit where it’s due.

“I was delighted with the character my players displayed as they dug deep and simply refused to leave empty handed. The fact we are disappointed with just a point speaks volumes.”

Romford return to Noak Hill to host bottom club Leigh Ramblers on Sunday and visit Toby again in the League Cup on November 12.

Romford: Williams, Simpson, Lakes, Sharpe, Smith, Saviciute, Gabriel, Crawford, Huggins, Kuski, Maxwell-Jones. Subs: Eastwell, Fenton, Mezquita, Pavlovska, Teeling.