LITTLE Oakley lost 2-0 at Romford to bow out of the FA Vase, writes LARRY DOBKIN.

The Acorns have injury problems, with James, Johnson, Thain (cup-tied) and Wood (suspended) all out.

The game started slowly for both sides with Oakley finding it hard to get to grips with the pitch.

It was clear that Romford had the advantage of playing regularly on the 3G pitch.

The first meaningful attack fell to Smith, who got behind the Oakley defence where poor control forced him into a hurried shot that went over the bar.

Romford were getting on top and a deep cross into the Oakley box picked out Restrepo, whose shot went marginally wide.

Romford continued to attack playing a ball through the middle of the pitch were the Oakley failed to clear the ball, allowing Cox to control and hit a stinging shot that went just over.

Oakley keeper Sam Felgate was being kept busy when a cross into the Oakley box was well caught preventing Smith getting a head on the ball.

In the 29th minute, centre-half Sibbons had to leave field with injury, adding to Oakley’s problems.

Oakley had a rare attack with Mann controlling a long ball out of defence and getting a bending cross into Romford’s six-yard box where Danny Garrad had a tap in.

But unfortunately was unable to get a foot on the ball, allowing the ball to run out of play.

Oakley’s problems grew when Lumley was forced off with a recurring leg injury.

The Acorns were playing better with Garrard setting up Rodger for a shot which was well saved by Anderson.

Romford then had three quick attacks with captain Doe heading over the bar, Robe shooting wide, and Smith taking a wild shot that went way over the bar as the first half finished goal-less.

Oakley started the half on the front foot with Mann trying a speculative shot which cleared the bar, from Sullivan's pass.

But Robe was becoming a threat to Oakley and when he ran down the wing and got to the by-line, he crossed into the box where Nobbs deflected the ball out for a corner.

Oakley still looked dangerous on the break and Rodger picked up the ball in midfield and attacked through the middle of the park where he dropped his shoulder to give himself a clear shot on goal, only to send a wild shot over the bar.

Romford finally broke the deadlock through Restrepo, whose low driven shot flew in despite Felgate getting a hand to it.

And the hosts wrapped up their win when Restrepo's corner was headed past Felgate.

Oakley's player of the game was Ed Nobbs, who was solid throughout.