Romford Women's promotion hopes took a hammer blow as they were beaten at Hutton.

Several key players were missing, including goalkeeper Jamie Williams and, with the Under-16s in League Cup semi-final action, caretaker boss Pete Durham was unable to bring in reinforcements.

Outfield player Antonia Lafaurie-Tull took over goalkeeping duties but missing injured forward Sammie Kuski, the Belles never really hit their stride, as their opponents were mostly restricted to long-range efforts.

Despite dominating the opening hour, Romford were unable to convert any chances and paid the price as the hosts cashed in with three goals in the final third of the match, despite limited possession.

The Belles remain third in the league but chasing clubs have a number of games in hand and attention turns to upcoming home and away fixtures with fourth-placed Stanway Rovers.

Boro return to action with a trip to Leigh Ramblers on April 7.

The Under-16s, meanwhile, suffered an agonising Essex League Cup semi-final loss to A division rivals Abbey Youth.

Boro were denied by a sensational display from home keeper Martha Bruton, who proved unbeatable on a blustery day in Waltham Abbey.

Boro were already short of numbers due to injury and ineligibility and saw Berrie Antoniou limp off after just seven minutes.

Tabitha Hellen could have had a penalty on five minutes when she was clipped in the box and then burst through and rounded Bruton but was crowded out by the home defence.

Charlotte Walsh blasted goalwards from a corner only for Bruton to tip over from point blank range, before saving bravely at the feet of Hellen and Lily Stuart-Evans.

Lottie Lambert tested Bruton her from range, before the key moment of the tie a minute before half time saw Erin Pitney go down injured and Boro put the ball out of play for her to receive treatment.

Abbey launched the throw-in into the box where the ball fell to Caitlin Ulyatt to poke home from their only attempt at goal on the day.

The second half began in much the same fashion as Romford dominated but were met with resilient defending.

Chloe Bramley found Hellen whose shot flashed agonisingly across the goal and inches wide before Isobel Pitney, back from a seven-week injury lay-off, saw her effort from a corner drop narrowly wide.

Walsh sent Stuart-Evans clear on goal with 10 minutes left but Bruton saved brilliantly again as Abbey held on.

Manager James Kearns said: "It's a bitter pill to swallow, given how the game played out and the teams we've beaten to get to this point.

"Martha was unbelievable in goal for them and we just couldn't pick the right pass or find the right finish when we needed it.

"I'm really disappointed for the girls because they've been brilliant all season long and I couldn't have asked any more of them, especially our player of the match Mia Murray who was fantastic.

"They all gave everything and we were just out of luck. As for their goal, I'd have liked to have seen the ball come back, but it's not in the rules and we can't complain about it.

"We wish them the best of luck and we have to be ready to keep our league form going when we come back after Easter."

Boro's U-16s return to league action at Abbey Youth on April 7.