Town found it difficult coping with the ground conditions in Tuesday's cup tie at New Lodge and were eliminated from their last knockout competition of the season.

And while the sticky conditions did not help Town's style, they were also handicapped by the absence of Gary Waters in the centre of defence, he having been injured in the Ryman League match against Bromley on Saturday

Dave Root made a couple of early saves which set a pattern for much of the first half.

However, on 23 minutes, the visitors went ahead when Trevor Paul turned his marker and fired past Root's left hand and into the net.

Ten minutes later, Romford increased their lead. Root saved Martin Hayes' first effort, but the parried ball was picked up by Bob Risley who scored.

Town fans were given some hope five minutes before the break when Jerome Matthews headed home at the far post from a Jon Hooker cross.

But just after the hour a low drive to the left of goal by Troy Brabam put the tie well beyond the hosts' reach.

Billericay Town: Root, Goldstone, Davidson, Jordan, Moore, St Hilaire, Rattle (Jones), Blaney, Adekola, Matthews and Hooker.

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