The visitors served a warning in the first minute when Adam Vyse shot wide, but Hutton were ahead after only six minutes when a good passing move created an opportunity for Chukwuka Eseka and he netted from eight yards.

Romford created chances for Ekow Owusu-Boakye, whose header was comfortably gathered by Hutton keeper Stefan Lamacq. Then Jake Barlow headed Kian Cocking’s corner over the bar, but with 18 minutes played, Hutton doubled their lead. After losing the ball in midfield, Boro gave away a corner, which was cleared, only for Hutton to reclaim possession and set up Andrei Cocan for a shot that beat George Sapsford's dive.

Only a good save by Sapsford prevented Eseka getting his second after 26 minutes, but the Boro keeper was powerless to prevent a third Hutton goal on 31 minutes when the visitors moved the ball across from the left and Luca Savill tapped home.

Boro’s best chance of the first half fell to Jack Zielinski, who was sent clear of the Hutton defence by Kenny Nobrega’s pass after 36 minutes, but Zielinski sent his shot narrowly wide. Off-target shots from outside the box by Chris John and Jake Barlow were the only other efforts that Boro could manage in a dismal first half.

Any hopes that Romford might have had of a second half revival were firmly quashed after 52 minutes when Adam Vyse curled a shot past Sapsford, again after Boro had lost possession in their own half.

Hutton once again took advantage of Romford losing possession when they netted their fifth through Savill on the hour mark. They immediately struck again when Boro once more gifted them possession, allowing Luca Savill to stride forward and drive a shot into the net from outside the box to complete his hat-trick.

There were late Romford chances for John and Zielinski, who both had shots saved by Lamacq. Ezra Agyiri hit the bar from close range, denying Boro even a consolation goal and completing a dismal afternoon.

This result was hardly ideal preparation for Romford’s next game, a trip to play unbeaten Heybridge Swifts on Tuesday, after which Boro visit Hackney Wick, who are currently second from bottom. Boro will need to up their game to get anything out of these fixtures.