Wroxham are heading back to the Eastern Counties (Thurlow Nunn) League – unless they are given a relegation reprieve, writes Tom Wardle.

The Yachtsmen knew that a win at Romford would see them safe in Ryman League Division One North, but a stunning display by home keeper Michael Gooch – including a second-half penalty save – left them with just a point to show for their efforts.

It means manager Damian Hilton and his players, who slumped to the ground at the final whistle on Saturday, must now play a waiting game to see what happens in other leagues before they know for certain whether they stay or go, having finished third from bottom – the final relegation spot. Wroxham finished a point behind Waltham Abbey.

Wroxham started better, but Gooch showed what was to come when he saved Stephen Taylor's effort and, two minutes later, kept out Michael Sommerfield's powerful header. Taylor then saw a shot blocked on the line and Jamie Forshaw's shot looped over the crossbar.

At the other end, Elliot Pride did well to deny Chris Taylor before, on the counter, Jackson Ramm had a shot blocked.

Gooch again denied Taylor early in the second half, and Wroxham were almost caught out, but Pride kept out an effort by substitute Ade Cole.

Gooch and Taylor were having their own personal battle, but the Romford man was winning, somehow getting his fingertips to a header.

Midway through the second half Wroxham were awarded a penalty – but Gooch denied leading scorer Jack Garrod, whose effort lacked power.

Romford: Gooch, Boswell, Barry, Frew, Ishmail, Taylor, Dicks, Anderson, Reynolds (Cole, 59), Akpele (Paxman, 81), Marfo (McFarlane, 81). Subs not used: Wray, Cossington.

Wroxham: Pride, Ramm, Bailey, Taylor, Taylor, Halliday, Garrod, Hinton, Sommerfield (Lemmon 35, King 82), Forshaw, Guyton. Sub not used: Cullumbine