Romford Women ran out 2-0 winners over Leigh Ramblers in their latest Essex League outing at Noak Hill on Sunday.

A frantic first 10 minutes saw possession surrendered cheaply by both teams as Romford tried to take control against the Premier Division's bottom team.

The breakthrough came on 11 minutes when Claire Huggins combined with Shannon Simpson, whose strong run ended with a pass that fell invitingly for Sammie Kuski to fire home a wonderful half volley.

With momentum building, most of the game was played in the visitor's half as Boro created a string of chances only to be denied by good goalkeeping and wasteful finishing.

The hosts looked a real threat from set-pieces and went close on several occasions before getting a deserved second when, in the closing minutes of the first half, Kierra Gabriel produced a textbook downward header from a Georgia Maxwell-Jones corner.

The lead could have been greater at half-time but Maxwell-Jones, who combined well with wing-back Sian Lakes on the left, suffered a frustrating day in front of goal as she was denied by some excellent saves and the woodwork.

Romford keeper Jamie Williams dealt comfortably with Leigh’s attempts to get back into the game and capped an excellent performance when she dived full length to her left to keep out a 74th-minute penalty awarded for handball.

Boro were unable to add to their tally and had to be content with three points and a clean sheet, ahead of a trip to Chelmsford City this weekend.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen a game with so many chances going begging," said manager Jason Murray.

"If we keep creating this number of opportunities, a team is going to be on the end of a very tough afternoon soon! The three points were secured, but the game should have been much more comfortable than it actually was."

Romford: Williams, Simpson, Lakes, Gabriel, Sharpe, Eastwell, Pavlovksa, Huggins, Kuski, Maxwell-Jones, Crawford. Substitutes: Page, Teeling, Stuart, Mezquita.