Dimarli Morrison-Facer reports on a bad afternoon for the East London non-league side.
A late Jason Hallett brace handed Paul Martin’s Romford their second successive away defeat in a week, after an earlier 2-0 loss to Cheshunt.
Cheshunt have missed out on a late charge for a playoff spot despite the victory over Romford due to Hornchurch’s victory, who maintain a decisive five-point gap.
The host’s front man, Jason Hallett fired just over from a delightful through ball by midfielder Tom Bruno, five minutes in.
Romford’s sloppy play gave Cheshunt a chance to break away and almost open the home side’s account but Boro’s Replacement goalkeeper Richard Wray was on hand to tip Adam Bolle’s effort wide.
The visitors’ first real effort came 17 minutes in, as defender Tom Potter shook off multiple challenges and slid a through ball for Greg Akpele who went round James May, before being dispossessed by a last ditch tackle.
Romford right back Ryan Boswell then went close twice in quick succession but on both occasions his efforts were blocked and saved. Boro threatened again when Akpele set Michael Dixon through on goal, however May was quick off his line to smother Dixon’s shot.
The away side had a great opportunity to take the lead just before half time, as Akpele won the ball on the wing and picked out an unmarked Jamie Dicks who headed straight at May.
In the second half, Cheshunt began to push for opening goal, as the Boro’s backline was breached three times in the first 15 minutes but each effort was either saved or flew harmlessly wide.
Romford did have chances of their own just after the hour mark, when Dixon put Akpele through on goal but his shot flew agonisingly wide.
Minutes later, a goalmouth scramble ensued in the Cheshunt box which lead to substitute Akwasi Marfo almost finding the net.
Cheshunt then broke the deadlock six minutes from time, as Hallett who had scored a brilliant hat-trick against Boro in the reverse fixture, got up ahead of the defender and powered home a header from Bruno’s free kick.
Shortly from the restart, the hosts doubled their advantage, with another superb Hallett header, this time from a dinked cross to the far post to wrap up a crucial win for the Hertfordshire side.
Venue: Cheshunt Stadium
Attendance: 215