DARREN Manning hailed Hullbridge Sports’ ‘heart, togetherness and work rate’ after sealing a 2-1 win over Romford to climb further away from the Isthmian North drop zone.

Goals from Jamie Salmon and Dan Walker ensured Louie Theophanous’ second half response was not enough for a Romford side managed and financially backed by former Billericay Town owner Glenn Tamplin.

The result means Sports are now 19 points clear of the drop zone during their first ever season in the fourth tier of non-league football and Manning remains proud of how his players have adjusted following their Essex Senior League title win last term.

“I was delighted with the win over Romford,” said Hullbridge boss Manning.

“They have some players that, if judged individually, have operated at a much higher level and have immense quality.

“But this game was about heart, togetherness and work rate and we had that in bundles.

“Romford have spent a lot of money assembling their squad, while we have made the jump up from the Essex Senior League for the first time in the club’s history.

“I was extremely proud of my players after the win against Romford, like I have been all season.

“We are improving each week and how they have adapted from the Essex Senior League is a real credit to them.”

The fixture was held at Aveley’s Parkside and Sports got to grips with the artificial turf quickly.

Hullbridge broke the deadlock inside 17 minutes as Romford failed to deal with a Callum Thompson corner.

Although the home side managed to clear the ball of the goal-line, Salmon was on hand to poke the ball into the back of the net.

Thompson then clipped the top of the crossbar with a dipping free-kick before Sports doubled their advantage.

Matt Rose found Walker, who drilled past goalkeeper Matthew Cafer eight minutes before the interval.

Romford halved the deficit through ex-Billericay striker Theophanous soon after the interval and passed up a golden opportunity to draw level as Adam Morgan hit the crossbar from the penalty spot.

As a result, Walker’s first goal for the club proved to be the winner and Manning was overjoyed.

“I’m delighted for Dan,” added Manning.

“I’m happy he is playing with a smile on his face.

“We know the quality that he possesses and it’s great for him to be back among the goals. More goals are just around the corner.”