Bostik Supporters Preview 17/18: Romford

We asked a supporter from each of our member clubs to answer the same series of questions as part of our preview of the new season. We also asked them to predict how their particular division would finish, from one to 24- and their answers will be revealed in a collection of Supporters Prediction Tables to be released the day before the big kick off.

Here are the answers of Mike Woods representing Romford.

What was your favourite moment of last season?

Winning 2-1 at Bury Town. Nothing quite beats a win, under floodlights, away from home when you are not really expecting it. We had lost our previous away game 5-0 at Bowers & Pitsea, while Bury were bidding to go top of the league, but Boro set about their opponents in a manner that suggested that tonight they were not going to be pushovers, and despite going 1-0, came back to win. The joy at the final whistle and the memories that win leaves are the sorts of things that sustain you when things are not going so well.

And your worst moment?

It's a toss up between the 7-1 defeat at Haringay Borough and the 5-0 defeat at Bowers & Pitsea. The defeat at Haringay at least had the redeeming feature of the hilarity over our disallowed penalty goal (the ball hit the back stanchion and rebounded back into play, only for the referee to decree that it had hit the post), but the loss at Bowers had no positives, as we were simply shocking: it's probably fair to say we were lucky to get nil.

How will you do this season?

Every year since we were promoted in 2009, the division seems to have become stronger and more competitive and this year is no exception, so I anticipate another season of highs and lows, with the occasional spectacular defeat balanced against some unexpected and remarkable victories. I am confident we will hold our own, but given the strength of some of the teams in the division, I doubt we will be challenging for a play-off place.

Which matches are you most looking forward to going to- and why?

I am looking forward to visiting Mildenhall Town as it is a ground I have not previously been to, and it is always nice to go to Dereham Town and AFC Sudbury, where we are always given a warm welcome.

What is your favourite away ground?

Probably AFC Sudbury. We have had some cracking games there (including a couple of spectacular victories), the home supporters and officials are always welcoming and it is a neat and attractive stadium. Bury Town runs it a close second as in these days of new builds that can be a little dull, Ram Meadow is a traditional, and dare I say, "proper" football ground.

Who do you consider your biggest rivals- and why?

AFC Hornchurch. It probably stems from the fact that when we reformed in 1992, we overtook them as the borough's senior club, then they leap-frogged us to reach Conference South, only to fall from grace and end up in the Essex Senior League with us.

What advice would you give to any away supporter visiting you for the first time?

Bring plenty of loose change and drop it in the bucket someone will be waving at you when you come through the turnstile. It's part of our fund raising efforts aimed at getting our proposed new ground at Westlands in Romford up and running.

Who is your favourite player of all time (for your club)- and why?

I'm going way, way back to the 1970's to pick Terry Tapping. A former Arsenal youth team player, he was a buccaneering left-back, but sometimes a wide midfield player and occasionally centre-forward. Blessed with a delicate touch and a ferocious shot, he played over 400 games and scored 78 goals in the Southern League. He always seemed to play with a smile on his face, and was a joy to watch.

9. Finally, predict who will fill the top five positions at the end of the forthcoming season:

Maldon & Tiptree, Canvey Island, AFC Sudbury, AFC Hornchurch, Bowers & Pitsea.