Saturday 26th April, 2025 | Romford 1-3 Buckhurst Hill | Essex Senior League Premier | Att: 143
By Harry Biggs
The Stags Finish on a High in Record-Breaking Season
The Stags concluded yet another successful season with a victory away from home, confirming Buckhurst Hill’s highest-ever finish at Step 5 – sitting comfortably in 9th place in the Essex Senior League.
Mark made just one change to the starting eleven that beat Frenford 2–1 in our final home game of the season. Jude Carolan was replaced by young star Alfie Edmans at left-back, who earned his first start for the first team after progressing through our youth system. There was also one change on the bench, with Fenton Kehinde making way for another exciting young talent, Billy Humphreys, who was promoted from our U16 side. The future is certainly looking bright for Buckhurst Hill FC.
First-Half Action
On to the action, and within the first five minutes, Anthony Page was called into action, making a fine save to deny the hosts. That moment sparked The Stags into life, and Archie Hammond opened the scoring inside seven minutes. Alfie Edmans collected the ball near the corner flag, beat his marker with a dazzling move, and delivered a superb cross into the box, which Hammond finished clinically into the bottom corner.
The Stags looked to exploit Romford’s weaknesses, creating several chances. Hammond almost grabbed his second after latching onto a Jack Ferris pass, but his shot was saved by former Buckhurst Hill goalkeeper Qamil Dervishaj.
Romford received the first booking of the match just after the 20-minute mark when Harry Elsey was cautioned for a poor challenge on Ferris. From the resulting free-kick, The Stags nearly scored again – Hammond once more the threat, his shot tipped over by Boro’s keeper.
Buckhurst Hill continued to press, with Hammond again denied and Tyreece Robertson also coming close. Edmans found Robertson on the edge of the box, but his effort narrowly missed the target.
Just before half-time, Romford equalised against the run of play. A Stags corner turned into a swift counter-attack, and Jayden Silcott-Brown capitalised on a defensive error to slot past Page. Romford almost took the lead moments later, but Page made another excellent save to keep the scores level at the break.
Second-Half Surge
The Stags came out firing in the second half and nearly regained the lead within four minutes. A powerful shot struck the post, and the rebound, followed up by Robertson, was saved and deflected for a corner. From the resulting set-piece, Khris Oti headed the ball into the net, but the goal was disallowed for a foul on the goalkeeper.
Mark then introduced Youcef Tacine and Alex Georgiou in place of Oti and Ferris. The Stags were still pushing for a winner, but their momentum was briefly halted when Marquez Cadette was sin-binned for dissent with 22 minutes left on the clock. Page was again called into action from the resulting free-kick and dealt with it confidently.
Buckhurst Hill continued to attack, and a neat passage of play ended with Ollie Williams firing a shot goalwards, but it was comfortably saved by Dervishaj. Soon after, Georgiou burst down the right and delivered a bouncing ball to Hammond, whose shot flew just over the bar.
Sensing the need for fresh legs, Mark made a decisive double change, bringing off Edmans and Hammond for debutant Billy Humphreys and Levi Burgin. The move paid off instantly. Straight from the restart, Burgin latched onto a perfectly timed pass and calmly slotted the ball into the bottom corner for his first goal – a dream debut and a crucial lead for The Stags.
Game, Set, Match
Three minutes later, it was game, set, and match. Tyreece Robertson drove down the left, cut inside, and curled his shot around the Romford keeper to make it 3–1. It was a fitting end for Robertson, who finishes the season as The Stags’ joint top scorer alongside Suley Zuhdu.
Mark made one final change, bringing on Chama Torsiello for Robertson, giving him a few final minutes to close out his season.
Moments later, the referee blew for full time – not only on the match but on the entire 2024/25 season for Buckhurst Hill. Another fantastic campaign capped off with a record-breaking finish in the Essex Senior League.
A Final Word
A final note from me – it’s been an absolute privilege bringing you coverage throughout the season. I hope you’ve enjoyed following a full season of The Stags’ journey.
Thank you all,
Harry
TEAM :
Page 🧤, Cadette 🟨, Edmans, Harris, Knight, Daniels, Hammond ⚽🟨, Williams ©️, Oti, Ferris, Robertson 🟨
SUBS :
Torsiello (86’ – Robertson), Tacine (64’ – Ferris), Burgin ⚽ (81’ – Hammond), Humphreys (81’ – Edmans), Georgiou (64’ – Oti)
Thank You
To All Of Our Fans & Sponsors
For Your Support Throughout The 24/25 Season
See You For The 25/26 Season!
