Romford v Waltham Forest Preview (24-8-12)

The FA Cup makes it return for step four clubs at the weekend, and Waltham Forest will have to get past a tough Romford side if they want to get their hands on the £1750 prize money and a trip to Hemel Hempsted Town.

It has been a start to the season to forget for both teams. Forest have lost 3-0 and 4-2, while Romford have lost 2-1 to Redbridge, and 3-1 to Thamesmead.

It has been a summer of rebuilding for both sides, but Romford have lost top scorer for several of the past few seasons Kurt Smith.

Former Forest defender-come-striker Brian Suchley is once again with Romford, and scored for their reserves at the weekend. Meanwhile, Forest captain Adrian Clifton was with Romford last season.

While our record against Romford isn’t terrible – having won five and lost six – we haven’t beaten our Essex neighbours since October 2009, when three goals in the final 15 minutes saw us go from 3-1 down to win 4-3.

Many will remember Forest’s exploits in last season’s FA Cup, when we eventually lost to Eastbourne Borough in the Second Qualifying Round. Romford on the other hand, lost 4-2 to Southend Manor in the first qualifying round after having beaten Royston Town 3-2.

Romford are playing at Thurrock’s Ship Lane ground this season, and sadly for any Beer Hunters, does not provide much in the shape of perspective watering holes.