Had Romford FC gained the draw their performance merited, Barking could have had few complaints, but a late strike from Saliu Lo Seye handed the visitors a 2-1 victory and with it confirmation of a play‑off place.
The result leaves Romford’s Essex Senior League status finely balanced ahead of their final home game of the season against Harwich & Parkeston next Saturday.
Barking fashioned the first clear opening after 15 minutes when Lee Haylock was forced to push away a dangerous free‑kick.
From the partially cleared corner, the ball fell to Ryan Pickles, but his effort sailed over the crossbar. Romford responded through Flynn Hamilton, whose shot was comfortably saved by Barking goalkeeper Omer Ozer, before Barking went close again when Ricky Modeste’s cross from the right deflected onto the near post.
The breakthrough arrived in the 38th minute, courtesy of a penalty.
Teddy Desmond was judged to have fouled former Romford forward Finlay Dorrell inside the box and Sam Edwards made no mistake from the spot, placing his kick into the corner despite Haylock diving the right way.
Barking threatened to extend their lead before the interval, Haylock saving with his feet to deny Issa Sidibe in stoppage time, while at the other end Matt Price dragged a shot across goal and wide.
Romford drew level just two minutes into the second half with a goal of real quality. Hamilton collected Desmond’s pass, exchanged a neat one‑two with Greig Stewart and unleashed a superb strike into the top corner, leaving Ozer helpless.
The home side were disappointed soon after when appeals for a penalty were waved away, Price having been bundled over as Ozer came out to punch clear a high ball.
Both sides went close as the game opened up. Dorrell struck the post for Barking before Haylock reacted quickly to keep out the rebound, while Ozer was called into action at the other end to deny Henry Hart and then Chris Millar as Romford pressed.
The decisive moment came after 79 minutes when Lo Seye showed strength and composure to get goal side of his marker, fend off a challenge and fire low into Haylock’s left‑hand corner. Chances followed at both ends in a tense finale, but Barking held on.
Results elsewhere mean Romford’s fate remains in their own hands. A draw next weekend may prove enough, but victory would guarantee another season at this level.
Share