Another Away Win

AFC Manager Jamie Godbold went into this match looking for his side to stretch their lead at the top of the table and they did do although only by a one goal margin.

Godbold had to make a change to his usual starting line up with central defender James Baker unavailable due to work commitments abroad, he brought in young Kyran Clements for his first start in an AFC first team shirt. Liam Wales was also recalled with Joe Maybanks reverting to the substitutes bench. Young Alfie Carroll came into the squad along with Stefano Mallardo.

The Ship Lane pitch was in good condition despite the recent bad weather and AFC had an early chance when Luke Callander shot wide from inside the Romford penalty area. Wales had the ball in the opposition goal but it was rules offside.

The breakthrough came after eleven minutes. The ball was played from the left side back to Ryan Henshaw who fed Craig Parker and then Callander. The burly forward then slid the ball through the home defence and there was Jordan Blackwell (pictured) to go forward and round keeper Gooch to score.

Blackwell then had another effort go wide after Callander had given him the opportunity. Jack Wilkinson crossed from the left and Callander headed wide. Parker then failed to trouble Gooch after a Wales’s cross as AFC kept the pressure on.

It was twenty-five minutes before Romford’s first effort on Marcus Garnham’s goal, this from Reynolds and the AFC keeper saved easily. Taylor five minutes later also gave the Sudbury man something to do but AFC looked comfortable.

Callander had a ‘goal’ chalked off as he was again offside and then Blackwell had a couple of chances one wide and one saved.

Half Time; -Romford 0 AFC Sudbury 1

The second period started with AFC making a change and Maybanks replacing Blackwell. It was Garnham who was the first goalkeeper to make a save before AFC settled down.

Craig Parker, AFC’s leading marksman so far this season, saw a close range shot saved by Gooch with the ball coming back to the Sudbury man and his second shot was also denied a goal by the Romford number one.

Maybanks got away and he set up Callander but his curling shot was deflected wide.

AFC skipper Sam Clarke took a knock and had to receive treatment from physio Brain Swift and after it was able to continue.

With fifteen minutes left the recent weather reverted to type and the heavens opened as AFC continues to press but could not get that crucial second goal. George Clarke took over from Ollie Berquez with thirteen minutes to go.

Callander forced Gooch to save with a shot that was straight at him but he did well in the conditions. The visitors although on top were guilty on too many occasions of being caught offside by the Romford defence well marshalled by Frew.

Romford tried hard for the equaliser but AFC held on to increase their lead at the top of the table and make it ten straight league victories.

Att 86

Ben Davies/YNOT