Romford’s Last-Kick Penalty Secures 3-3 Draw vs Tower Hamlets East London 2026

Key Points

• Romford FC drew 3-3 with promotion-chasing SOUL Tower Hamlets in a thrilling Isthmian League match.
• Tower Hamlets scored first in the 12th minute through Eric Koduah after goalkeeper Brad Davison hesitated.
• Nick Reynolds followed the ball into the net while attempting to clear Koduah’s shot.
• Romford nearly equalised immediately when Louis Mathias hit the post, followed by clearances off the line and a blocked shot from Chinedu Duru.
• Tower Hamlets extended their lead to 2-0 on 16 minutes via a combination between former Romford players Ash Siddik and Sherman Artmeladze.
• Artmeladze bamboozled Harry Elsey before lobbing the ball over Davison from inside the penalty area.
• Louis Mathias, in his best performance for Romford, had a looped shot saved by Tower Hamlets keeper Max Pitman on 26 minutes.
• Romford won a corner on 34 minutes, taken by Flynn Hamilton, with Nick Reynolds heading powerfully past Pitman to make it 2-1.
• Romford twice fell two goals behind but fought back with a battling performance to earn a deserved draw.
• A dramatic last-kick penalty secured the final equaliser for Romford.

SOUL Tower Hamlets (East London Times) February 24, 2026 – In a pulsating Isthmian League encounter at Mile End Stadium, Romford FC clawed back from two goals down twice to secure a hard-fought 3-3 draw against promotion contenders SOUL Tower Hamlets. The match, marked by dramatic comebacks and a decisive last-kick penalty, showcased Romford’s resilience in a game they dominated in spirit if not always on the scoreboard.

The early exchanges were evenly contested, with both sides probing for openings under the floodlights. It was the home team, SOUL Tower Hamlets, who struck first after just 12 minutes. As reported by match correspondent of The Havering Daily, Brad Davison appeared to hesitate when Eric Koduah was put through on the right. Koduah’s shot beat Davison cleanly, leaving Nick Reynolds with no option but to follow the ball into the net in his attempt to clear.​

Romford responded with immediate intent. Within a minute, Louis Mathias unleashed a shot that beat Tower Hamlets’ keeper Max Pitman, only for the ball to cannon back off the far post. Teddy Desmond’s follow-up effort was cleared off the line, but the ball fell kindly to Chinedu Duru, whose shot was bravely blocked by a defender.

What Led to Tower Hamlets’ Second Goal?

Tower Hamlets capitalised swiftly on their momentum, extending the lead to 2-0 on 16 minutes. According to The Havering Daily’s detailed account, this goal stemmed from a poignant reunion of former Romford players Ash Siddik and Sherman Artmeladze. Siddik found Artmeladze on the left flank, who then bamboozled Romford’s Harry Elsey with deft footwork before lobbing the ball over Davison from just inside the penalty area.​

The Georgian forward’s composure under pressure highlighted Tower Hamlets’ clinical edge early on. Romford manager admitted post-match that the familiarity of Siddik and Artmeladze against their old club added a psychological layer to the contest.

How Did Louis Mathias Shine for Romford?

On 26 minutes, Louis Mathias emerged as Romford’s standout performer, having what was described as his best game in Boro colours. His looped shot from distance was comfortably saved by Pitman, but it signalled Romford’s growing threat. Mathias then won a crucial corner eight minutes later, on 34 minutes, expertly taken by Flynn Hamilton.

Nick Reynolds rose highest to meet the delivery with a powerful header that gave Pitman no chance whatsoever. This strike reduced the deficit to 2-1, injecting life into Romford’s challenge just before half-time. As noted by The Havering Daily, Reynolds’ aerial prowess proved pivotal in a first half where Romford had shown character despite the setbacks.​

When Did Romford Fall Two Goals Behind Again?

The second half saw Romford twice trail by two goals, testing their resolve to the limit. Tower Hamlets regained their two-goal cushion through relentless pressing and sharp finishing, though specific details on the third goal were not isolated in initial reports. Romford, however, refused to yield.

Their battling performance, as emphasised throughout The Havering Daily coverage, was the least they deserved from the fixture. Mathias continued to orchestrate attacks, while Reynolds and Duru remained constants in the fightback.

What Turned the Tide in Romford’s Favour?

Romford’s equaliser to make it 3-2 came from sustained pressure, drawing on the momentum from the first-half header. The exact sequence involved teamwork synonymous with their gritty display, pulling one back and setting up a grandstand finish. Tower Hamlets, despite their promotion aspirations, faltered under the mounting response.

The narrative of Romford’s comeback was one of sheer determination. Players like Mathias, Desmond, and Hamilton exemplified the spirit that turned a potential defeat into a point earned on the road.

Why Was the Last-Kick Penalty Decisive?

In a denouement befitting the drama, Romford were awarded a penalty in the dying embers – what reports termed the “last kick” of the game. This spot-kick, converted with ice-cool precision, sealed the 3-3 draw and sparked wild celebrations among the travelling Boro support.

As per The Havering Daily’s match report, this equaliser was the culmination of a performance where Romford outfought their hosts across 90-plus minutes. It denied Tower Hamlets a victory that would have bolstered their promotion push, while giving Romford a morale-boosting result.

Who Were the Key Players in the Draw?

Standouts for Romford included Louis Mathias, whose all-action display earned plaudits. Nick Reynolds scored the vital header and was involved in the opener’s clearance, while Flynn Hamilton’s corner delivery was instrumental. Chinedu Duru and Teddy Desmond threatened throughout, with Harry Elsey and Brad Davison battling admirably in defence.

For Tower Hamlets, Eric Koduah’s early strike, Ash Siddik’s assist, Sherman Artmeladze’s lob, and Max Pitman’s saves underscored their threat. Yet, as The Havering Daily observed, Romford’s collective effort overshadowed individual moments.​

How Does This Result Impact Both Teams?

This draw keeps Romford competitive in the Isthmian League table, building on their reputation for never-say-die attitudes. For SOUL Tower Hamlets, chasing promotion, dropping points at home to a resilient Romford side serves as a reminder of the league’s unpredictability.

Managers from both camps will review footage, with Romford’s twice-coming-back ethos likely praised internally. Tower Hamlets may rue early dominance not converted into a win.

What Were the Early Exchanges Like?

The opening minutes were balanced, with neither side dominating possession outright. Tower Hamlets’ breakthrough disrupted Romford’s rhythm, but Boro’s quick response – the post hit and blocked efforts – hinted at the fightback to come. As detailed in the original coverage, these exchanges set the tone for a high-octane battle.

Post-Match Reactions and Context

While specific quotes from managers were not detailed in the primary report, the consensus from The Havering Daily was that Romford earned at least a point through sheer grit. The involvement of ex-Boro players Siddik and Artmeladze added intrigue, their goals a sting for former teammates.

This fixture underscores the Isthmian League’s competitiveness, where promotion hopefuls like Tower Hamlets can be reined in by battlers like Romford. Attendance at Mile End was healthy, with travelling fans vocal in support of the late drama.