Chelmsford City host another Essex derby at the EMJ Community Stadium when they welcome Hornchurch to Melbourne this weekend
The Clarets last played at home on New Year’s Day when they overcame Aveley
another of the three Essex teams in the National League South
City’s return to home action will mark their first clash in two weeks – Robbie Simpson’s side come into the game on the back of last weekend’s postponed away fixture at Bath City
meaning they last played on January 4th against Enfield Town
Hornchurch will make the short journey across Essex knowing that a win or draw on Saturday will lift them above City in the league standings and help them continue their solid first season back in the sixth tier
This weekend’s game also marks the beginning of the end of Simpson’s reign as Chelmsford City manager, following confirmation last week that he will be stepping down at the end of the 2024-25 season
Here’s all that Clarets supporters need to know ahead of the game…
Click below to watch the highlights of our 2-0 victory over Hornchurch earlier this season
Hornchurch have enjoyed a steady return to life playing in the National League South
Daryl McMahon’s side were promoted last season after finishing top of the Isthmian League Premier Division while amassing an impressive 100 points
The Urchins have gone from strength to strength in 24-25 and come into this weekend’s game in a healthy 15th position in the league standings
Key to Hornchurch consolidating themselves in the sixth tier this season has been their tight defence
The Urchins have the 6th best defensive record in the division and often play out close games
West Ham United loanee Mason Terry has been key to Hornchurch’s success having been a standout performer for this side in between the sticks this season
Goalkeeper Terry has enjoyed another successful loan spell this season after being named Concord Rangers’ player of the year in 2023-24
Terry will hope he can continue to impress in men’s football in the remainder of this season
having already stood out in academy football after earning both an U18 Premier League South and FA Youth Cup winners’ medal in 2023
Further forward in Hornchurch’s side is former Chelmsford City captain Tom Wraight
The midfielder departed the EMJ Community Stadium to join the Urchins in December 2021 and has been a regular for the club ever since
Wraight has featured in all but one of his side’s league games this season and notched three goals and two assists in the National League South
Charlie Ruff sustained an ankle injury last time out against Enfield Town and could be a doubt
Forwards Freddie Hockey and Jordan Greenidge have been sidelined recently alongside midfielder Ryan Blackman
Finley Wilkinson and Saleem Akanbi will be hoping to make their home debuts at the EMJ Community Stadium
Supporters can click here to buy tickets online ahead of matchday
Online tickets will be on sale until 12pm on the day of the game
Tickets will also be available on the gate on the day of the fixture
Cash or card payments are accepted at the turnstiles
Radio Clarets will provide live audio commentary of proceedings at the EMJ Community Stadium
Post-match reactions will be found on the club’s website, official social media channels and on ClaretsTV
Chelmsford City FC © 2025
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Hornchurch impressed from the start as the opening quarter of an hour saw Angelo Balanta shoot wide
Will Greenidge’s effort went high and Darren McQueen was denied by Will Henry
Between those efforts for the visitors Matt McClure shot wide from a good position
The Urchins were rewarded midway through the half as Charlee Adams curled home an exquisite free kick from the edge of the area
Adams almost doubled the total four minutes later as he drew a fine diving save from Henry
The Bluebirds briefly responded as Harlee Vozza’s shot was pushed behind by Mason Terry and from the resulting corner Vozza headed over
Seven minutes before the break Balanta played in Darren McQueen and he slid the ball past Henry to give the visitors a 2-0 lead
As the interval approached skipper Tom Wraight shot over for Hornchurch
Tom Mehew fired wide for the Bluebirds and the Essex side’s Greenidge shot high over the bar
Charlie Pegrum found Balanta four minutes into the second half and his shot went in via the underside of the cross bar
On fifty five minutes Mehew’s sweetly hit volley just cleared the bar before Pegrum won possession and surged forward to complete the scoring on the hour mark
As both sides made several substitutions it was Chippenham’s Leone Gravata who finally gave the home side something to cheer as he shot against the bar before being denied by Terry
Fellow substitute Joe Andrews saw his effort deflect wide whilst Tyreke Johnson blazed over
In the final minute Gravata’s shot almost sneaked past Terry whilst in stoppage time Terry made a point blank save to deny Gravata
Harlee Vozza (Aaron Amadi-Holloway 79) sub not used: Jac Poffley
Charlie Pegrum (Ollie Muldoon 85,) Tom Wraight
Angelo Balanta (Razzaq Coleman De Graft 81)
Darren McQueen (Tommy Wood 72) sub not used: George Saunders
Full-time: Chelmsford City 2-1 Hornchurch
Finley Wilkinson’s home debut heroics won the Essex derby for Chelmsford City against rivals Hornchurch
Wilkinson scored both goals in the 2-1 win steering the Clarets three points clear of today’s visitors
The Barnet loanees two goals secured the win for Robbie Simpson’s men with Tommy Wood’s late goal for the Urchins not being enough to get any points on the road
Simpson introduced new signing Wilkinson into the starting 11 for the first time after he recently signed on loan
Clarets’ new striker Saleem Akanbi was one of the five named on the bench alongside Ryan Blackman who made his long-awaited return after 140 days out through injury
The Clarets were forced to use the options on their bench after just four minutes as Ruaridh Donaldson could not continue after his treatment
so Jacob Bland was called into action by Simpson
City started off the brighter in the derby and warned their Essex rivals of their danger in the 9th minute
as Mason Terry produced a good save from close range denying Jake Hyde
Less than ten minutes later the Clarets came calling again and this time these calls were answered in a swift counter attack
Goalkeeper Ted Collins’ long goal kick set away Archie Tamplin
Tamplin took it down after some fortune saw the ball bounce off Wilkinson
an incoming tackle found Wilkinson who slotted home into an empty net
In the 43rd minute City came close to doubling their lead again
Kane Crichlow produced a fantastic turn to beat his man he then played it across the box to Hyde whose low range effort was fantastically saved by Terry once again
The West Ham loanee rather kept his side in the game throughout the first 45
The second half became a bit more of an open contest as Liam Nash had a few chances to put Hornchurch level
The two chances came in two minutes but neither effort managed to get on target going wide and over
As Chelmsford continued to defend well to hold onto the lead Sam Oguntayo took a knock in the 65th minute forcing Simpson into his third change in just over an hour
Ryan Blackman was called upon to play his first game since late August
Hornchurch continued to attack Ted Collins’ goal and in the 73rd minute were awarded a corner
Unlike the simple tap in required for Wilkinsons’ first goal
his second involved picking the ball up from the edge of his own box from the cleared corner and winning a foot race against any Hornchurch player that stood in his way
He then unleashed the ball into the top left corner completing an amazing run and securing a second goal
Daryl McMahons side began to create more chances in attempt to restore the game
who’s low range effort from outside the box went just wide of the post
The next effort came even closer to threating Chelmsford City’s clean sheet
The attempt came from Weston whose shot managed to beat Collins but not the Clarets captain Cameron James who managed to head the ball off the line
With just four minutes of normal time to play the Urchins were eventually rewarded for their attacking efforts
when Wood volleyed the ball passed Collins after a cross came in from the left-hand side
Hornchurch would make the short journey back home empty-handed
with the Clarets returning to winning ways infront of the 1047 respective fans
Chelmsford have no time to celebrate the win however
as their focus goes straight to Chesham United away from home on Tuesday
who sit one place and one point above the Clarets in the league
Chelmsford City XI: Collins (GK); James (C)
Yellow cards: James 15′ Penney 55’ Collins 86’ Akanbi 90+4’
Darren McQueen doubled Hornchurch’s lead on 37 minutes
Charlie Pegrum scored on 61 minutes to complete the scoring
Welling United return home to Park View Road as they host Hornchurch in DA16 on Saturday (3pm)
The Wings will go into the game in positive mood following their Kent Senior Cup heroics over Ebbsfleet United and will need to convert their cup efforts into the league if they are going to stage a fightback against the threat of relegation
Welling currently sit in 22nd position in National League South
seven points from safety with five games left to play
Brian Statham will be unable to call on the suspended Gene Kennedy
Daniel Martin and Chiori Johnson are likely to be ruled out with injury
Hornchurch have enjoyed a stable first season at step two after winning promotion last term
They occupy 12th position in the league table with 14 wins
13 draws and 14 defeats from their 41 games played
Their last six outings have seen them win one
with their most recent outing ending in a 4-2 defeat at home to Weston-super-Mare last weekend
Welling United earned a point on the road from a goalless draw at Hornchurch on the August Bank Holiday Monday
The two sides played out a closely-contested first half without giving much away in terms of clear-cut chances
Tickets for Saturday’s clash against Hornchurch are available to purchase online in advance and will also be available for cash and card at the turnstiles on the day of the match with a £1 increase on adult
Tickets bought online in advance are priced £16 adults
U11s also go free with an accompanying adult
Tickets bought at the turnstiles will be priced £17 adults
while U16s and U11s go free (U11s with an accompanying adult
The Fans Zone marquee will be open for all supporters ahead of kick-off with a variety of alcoholic drinks on offer
while the Urban Street Food food truck will be offering a whole host of tasty food options throughout the afternoon
to jerk chicken and chicken chow mein and everything in between
Big screens will be on in both the Fans Zone and Wings Bar with the Everton v Arsenal game being shown live on TNT Sports
while two darts boards are available for fans to go head-to-head with their friends and supporters will also be able to enjoy live music pre-match
the the club’s official matchday programme
will be available to purchase at the turnstiles for £3
J Hearnden Skip Hire Community Stadium Park View Road Welling Kent DA16 1SY
Welling United Football Club is a Community Interest Company registered with Companies House
Full name Welling United Football Club Community Interest Company Limited Registered number 08055420
Chelmsford City beat Hornchurch on Saturday afternoon to earn their fourth consecutive win in all competitions
Goals from Kane Crichlow and Charlie Ruff put the Clarets into a commanding first half lead at the Hornchurch Stadium
Crichlow’s first Chelmsford City strike and Ruff’s goal against his former club proved to be enough to secure maximum points for Robbie Simpson’s side
City controlled the game and were rarely troubled by the Urchins
Daryl McMahon’s side were kept at bay by a Clarets backline which went unchanged for the fourth consecutive match
allowing Ted Collins to record his second National League South clean sheet of the season
The Clarets have moved up to 12th in the league standings following Saturday’s win
which marked Hornchurch’s first home defeat in over a month
Robbie Simpson changed his starting eleven for the first time in nearly three weeks; Bermuda international Crichlow came into the team and took the place of the injured Kalvin Kalala
Bradley Williams returned to a National League South matchday squad for the first time since August
Former Claret Tom Wraight featured in midfield for Hornchurch
while last season’s vice-captain Jazzi Barnum-Bobb was named on the Urchins’ bench
Both goalkeepers were forced to make saves inside the opening ten minutes of the proceedings at the Hornchurch Stadium
West Ham loanee Mason Terry denied Crichlow a 3rd minute goal when he made himself big to save Crichlow’s effort
after he was slipped through on goal by Ruff
a shot on target by Wraight from inside the penalty area forced Collins to make a routine stop
who was at the heart of City’s positive attacking play throughout Saturday’s game at the Hornchurch Stadium
was exemplified in the first half goals scored by Simpson’s side
The 25-year-old provided the assist for Crichlow’s 33rd minute opener when he impressively played a one-two with the Bermudian
who dispatched Ruff’s cushioned pass past Terry with a clinical first-time finish inside the Hornchurch penalty area
City doubled their lead moments before referee Adam Merchant signalled for half-time
Crichlow’s run from deep sparked a clinical Clarets counterattack
and Chelmsford City’s left winger for the day eventually produced a low delivery once he reached the byline
Hornchurch were unable to clear Crichlow’s cross and following a near-post scramble
Ruff was able to bundle the ball into Terry’s net after it rolled across the face of goal
Ruff was involved again when City created the first clear-cut chance of the second half less than a minute after the match had got back underway
Crichlow and Ruff combined once again in the final third
and the latter of the attacking duo fired a shot over the crossbar from 12-yards out
Attacking midfielder Ruff’s 46th minute opportunity was one of the small handful of goalscoring opportunities which fell the way of both teams in the second half
Hornchurch substitute George Saunders came close to halving the Clarets’ lead in the 74th minute when he chipped an effort over Ted Collins
after being picked out by Charlee Adams’ pass behind the City backline
Much to the relief of the Clarets’ players
Saunders’ effort landed the wrong side of the City net and went behind for a goal kick
Robbie Simpson introduced all five players from his substitutes bench during the second half
Louis Dunne and Archie Tamplin all got welcome minutes in their legs during the closing stages of the game
You brought the noise to the Hornchurch Stadium today, Clarets 🔊 Thank you for your incredible support in Essex!It's safe to say we all enjoyed those full-time celebrations 🤩#ClaretsTogether pic.twitter.com/d9Ny5eRCm3
Saturday’s win in Essex marked Chelmsford City’s final National League South game of the month – Simpson’s men resume their FA Cup campaign against Bromsgrove Sporting next week
meaning they will not return to league action until October 5th
when Eastbourne Borough travel to the EMJ Community Stadium
Chelmsford City XI: Collins (GK); Thorn (Dunne 90+3’)
Crichlow (Tamplin 89’); Greenidge (Hockey 75’)
Our National League South fixture away to Hornchurch has been postponed due to a frozen pitch
it was decided that the pitch was unplayable
Details of the rearranged fixture will be announced in due course
Sussex Transport Community Stadium Woodside Road Worthing West Sussex BN14 7HQ
Gilbert Investments Limited & Barry Hunter
Worthing will be looking to get back to winning ways in the National League South
as they make a Tuesday night trip to Hornchurch
The Rebels fell to a 2-0 defeat on their travels at Welling United on Saturday
cutting their lead at the top of the table down to just one point
they play their game in hand over the rest of the teams in the promotion battle
meaning that a victory would see them regain their four-point lead at the top
Chris Agutter’s squad will be boosted by the return of Joe Cook this evening
as the defender returns from a two-match suspension
“You can become really emotional about days like at Welling on Saturday
but we need to remember we’ve played well in parts
“Daryl McMahon is a brilliant manager and he’s done a fantastic job there and it’s going to be a really tough game.”
Hornchurch have had a good first season in the National League South
They are currently 13th in the league table
They have hit something of a difficult period of late
winning just once in their last six league matches
they picked up a point in a 1-1 draw away at St Albans City
Tickets can be purchased at the gate at the following prices:
Hornchurch Stadium is actually located in Upminster
Essex – just north of the Dartford River Crossing and is easily accessed via car or public transport
By Car: Take the M25 to junction 29 on the A127 towards London
Come off at the next major turn-off (signposted to Upminster) and turn left into Hall Lane
Follow this road for about a mile and a half
until you come to a major crossroads with traffic lights
Turn right at the lights into St Mary’s Lane
Continue down the hill and take the second turning on the left (Bridge Avenue)
The stadium is found about 200 yards down Bridge Avenue on the right
By Rail: Nearest BR station is Upminster which is on the Fenchurch Street to Southend/Shoeburyness line
Turn left out of the station and follow the directions above
By Tube: Upminster Bridge underground station (District line) is also close to the ground
walk under the railway bridge and take the second right turning into Bridge Avenue
If you can’t be at the game, you can follow the game via live updates from the club’s official Twitter account. You can also listen to live commentary via the club’s official commentary service
New Year’s Day brings a trip through the Dartford Tunnel for the relatively short journey to Hornchurch
both teams have only gathered a single point from their two games with Hornchuch losing their pre-Christmas home game to Chippenham Town and then collecting a point from their Boxing Day visit to Aveley with a second half equaliser from Henry Hearn
the Angels’ hard-earned point at Boreham Wood was followed by the defeat to neighbours Maidstone United
Jay Saunders updated the injured players status and looked forward to the Essex visit: “We will have to wait and see
Mo Dabre’s an ankle injury and Sean Shields
after he scored he collided with the goalkeeper
but now we have to prepare right and get the boys’ spirits up.”
Hornchurch are settling into National League South life comfortably after winning the Isthmian League Premier by a country mile last season accumulating 100 points along the way
They had spent 11 seasons in the Isthmian having been relegated after a single season in Conference South in 2012/13
three points and three places behind the Angels
Their home form is good having only been beaten three times in 14 league games at The Stadium with Eastbourne Borough
Chelmsford City and the aforementioned Chippenham successful.
Former Ebbsfleet boss McMahon is the man in charge of Hornchurch
and there is one ex Angel in their line up
striker Ade Yusuff who had a loan spell at Longmead from Dulwich Hamlet in 2019
Other names in their squad include Darren McQueen who played under McMahon at Ebbsfleet and Sean Scannell who played more than 300 games in the Championship for Crystal Palace and Huddersfield and is the younger brother of former Angels player Damian Scannell
Their top scorer is ex-Gillingham striker Liam Nash with seven league goals
We last visited Hornchurch in 2018 for an Isthmian League Premier fixture that was won by 2-0 with a brace from Alex Read
who scored from the spot in the last minute of the first half and sealed the points in the final minute of the game
The return game that season was a 1-0 Angels win
Hornchurch won at Longmead in the FA Trophy on their way to winning the whole competition
Those that will be making their first visit to The Stadium will find an athletics stadium
The six lane running track doesn’t lend itself to the best of viewing for football matches with the behind the goal areas made particularly difficult by the bends
That being said there are 800 seats on both sides of the pitch with covered terracing to the side of the seating
After entering through the turnstiles there is a spacious bar with some elevated decking that does offer a decent vantage point but you are still a long way from the pitch
Catering facilities are also housed in this area
Admission prices to the game are: Adults £15, Concessions £10 and U18s £5 and can be purchased in advance HERE until 12 noon on the day of the match or alternatively cash or card accepted on the turnstiles
There is parking at the stadium and when this is full there is on-street parking available with due consideration given to the residents
Train travellers should either alight at Upminster via the Fenchurch Street to Southend line which leaves a 15 minute walk or via the tube on the District Line alighting at Upminster Bridge for a five minute walk
Tonbridge Angels play against a club for a third National League South fixture
incessant rain on an already heavy pitch brought an abandonment on 37 minutes with the score level on one apiece with Nazir Bakrin having equalised a fine strike from Ollie Muldoon
this time the home side recovering after the Angels had taken a two goal lead with goals from Gianluca Botti and an own goal from Will Greenidge
sit one place ahead of the Angels in the league table with just goal difference separating the clubs
Their form of late has not been great having won just one of their last eight games
but that win was against title chasing Worthing
They have won away this season at Hampton and Richmond on the opening day
The 41-year-old Dubliner has also managed at Ebbsfleet United
Macclesfield Town and Dagenham and Redbridge and joined Hornchurch in 2024
formerly joint Charlton Athletic manager with Alan Curbishley
McMahon looked forward to the Good Friday visit to the Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium commenting after last Saturday’s 3-1 home defeat to table topping Truro City: “I would have bitten your hand off if you had offered us top half back in August
We've put in some decent performances when we've had nothing to play for
and it's important to give the fans something to talk about.”
The Essex side have two familiar faces in their squad
Their forward options include Tommy Wood who has had three spells with the Angels and Charlie Pegrum
who had loan spells with us in 2023/24 and 2024/25
Their principle goal threat will come from Darren McQueen
a player known to McMahon from his Ebbsfleet United days
He joined from the Fleet in the summer and has also played with McMahon at Dagenham and Redbridge
He is the Hornchurch top scorer this season with 14 goals in league and cup
There is a heavy Maidstone United influence in their midfield with Razzaq Coleman De-Graft
Tom Wraight and Muldoon alongside Sean Scannell
who played for Crystal Palace and is the younger brother of ex-Angel Damian Scannell
Admission prices for Saturday’s game are: Adults £17; Concessions £14; Youths £7 and Under-12’s free with accompanying adult with tickets available HERE
Gates open at 1 pm with the Sports Bar and Marquee Bar open from the outset with special offers of two pints of Staropramen or Carling for £8
hot and cold drinks and Fries Like An Angel
serving all your favourite loaded chips are also open from 1 pm
the Sports Bar will be closed but the Marquee will include the Happy Hour
with £1 off all pints of draught lagers and ciders and the special offer drinks price continuing
Saturday’s sponsors is Rob Steele and we hope he and his family and guests enjoy their day
Last word goes to Scott Wagstaff: “The boys were excellent Tuesday night
and if that had been given we could have got something out of the game
We gave Mackenzie and Ben some valuable football
I'm not going to be in charge next year and if I can help the boys develop
I think on Tuesday our oldest player was Woody
Because we didn't get back until three in the morning from Weston-super-Mare we couldn't do full preparation for Friday’s game
I knew being a manager wasn't going to be easy
One day I'll be a manager somewhere and it won't be tougher than this
and then the big one at Maidstone on Monday
We all understand the occasion and what it means to the fans and we'll give everything in both games
I've told the boys you're going to be a part of club history if you score the winner at Maidstone and that's the motivation
It is Chippenham’s final game of the 24/25 season
and we end it in front of our own supporters at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium against Hornchurch
Last time out the Bluebird’s travelled to Somerset on Easter Monday in the A4 Derby to face Bath City
It was a real cagey first half with no real opportunities of note falling for either side
We sadly lost Alex Bray to a horrific injury in the first half
our number eleven had to be stretchered off
All best wishes go to Alex right now of course
hopefully we see him back in a Chippenham Town shirt very soon
Chippenham Town will provide news on Alex as and when we receive further information
It was the Romans who had the first chance of the second half
the substitute Elliott Frear testing Will Henry into a good save from about twelve yards out.
it was the visitors who put all the pressure on Bath
A good opportunity fell for the Wiltshire outfit after good link up play between Tom Mehew and Caine Bradbury
the latter seeing his strike well saved by Harvey Wiles-Richards.
Chippenham were really knocking on the door and this time it was a long throw-in that came into the box from Luke Haines
Matt McClure was the target but it was too far over his head
the ball came to Leone Gravata however who had a brilliant header towards goal
Unfortunately for Leone and Chippenham though
it was also brilliantly headed off the line by Alex Fisher for Bath City
The boys in blue were certainly coming closer to that elusive goal.
Chippenham would have their breakthrough in the derby at Twerton Park
Gravata and Parsons as the latter finished off a very well worked counter-attack
we had caught the Romans napping and on a day where they hadn’t created much themselves
it looked we were on track to secure a massive derby victory away from home
HP loves a Twerton Park strike! ⚽Here's how Harry Parsons sealed all three points in the A4 Derby!Match highlights can be found with the link below! 👇🔗 https://t.co/EZFksbzoHK #BlueArmy 💙 pic.twitter.com/u4UVClBtnR
are deeply rooted in history and have had quite a few reformations of their team between when they were first founded to the present day
The first club was founded in October of 1881
and became one of the founding members of the Essex Football Association in 1882
the Urchins entered the FA Cup for the first time
losing at home to Great Marlow by two goals to nil in the first round
sadly by the start of the 1885/1886 campaign
the club was already bankrupt with a debt of £22
The club ended up folding that season.
It would take until 1923 for a new team to be created in the Hornchurch area
but this time the club was known by the name of Upminster Wanderers
the club fluctuated between leagues such as the Romford
Eventually finishing runners up in the Delphian League in 1959
culminating in a first promotion to the Athenian League for the Urchins
A quiet period entailed for the newly renamed Hornchurch as of 1961
though they did move from the Athenian League to the Isthmian League in 1975 which was a big step for the Urchins at the time
Hornchurch’s most memorable season to date was no doubt in 2003/2004
This is when they made the FA Cup first round proper for the first time since reforming
They knocked out third division side Darlington 2-0 before narrowly bowing out by a single goal to nil against Tranmere Rovers in the second round
who ended up making it all the way to the quarter finals that season before losing to eventual runners up Millwall 2-1 after a replay
It had another good story to it this season
as at the end of the Isthmian Premier Division campaign
Hornchurch finished in fifth and therefore qualified for the newly formed Conference South.
The Urchins’ time in the sixth tier however did not last long at all
as financial issues were mounting off the pitch
once again another club folded at the end of the 2004/2005 season.
it didn’t take as long this time for the club to be reformed
as they were formed again in 2005 and were placed in the Essex Senior League
three levels below the Conference South.
The Bluebirds were back level right at the start of the second half though after Luke Spokes went on a marauding run from centre midfield before unleashing a beautiful strike that nestled in the bottom corner. Another great goal to add to Spokes’ collection of goals in a Chippenham shirt.
The biggest threat to look out for from Hornchurch in this game is no doubt Darren McQueen. The forward player is the Urchins’ top scorer this season with thirteen league goals to his name and he also has a further three goals in all competitions as well. The Chippenham backline will definitely be hoping to keep him quiet on Saturday
The last time our Bluebirds won a home game on the final day was all the way back at the end of our first season in the sixth tier in 2017/2018. A 1-0 victory at the Thornbury Surfacing Stadium at the hands of Welling United thanks to Andy Sandell’s first half strike securing the victory. Mark Collier’s side also had to play the last fifteen minutes of that game with ten men after Jon Beeden was given his marching orders.
Get yourselves to Thornbury Surfacing Stadium for the 3pm kick off versus Hornchurch. It will be your last chance to see the Bluebirds in action until next season. We want a buoyant crowd for the final game of the season, with the end of season awards also being presented in the Bluebirds Bar from 6pm.
Hopefully we can end our season on a high. COME ON YOU BLUEBIRDS!!!
Alfie Pavey's close range finish earns a point but Borough deserved more
Despite being the better side, it was the Sports who fell behind through Henry Hearn on 35 minutes – but the hosts restored parity through Alfie Pavey before half-time.
The Sports had chances to win the game in the second half, but were left frustrated in front of goal and were made to make do with one point instead of the three they deserved.
Adam Murray made two changes to the eleven that started at Boreham Wood in the FA Trophy last weekend, with Alfie Pavey and Pierce Bird returning to the line up.
On a sunny afternoon at The ReachTV Stadium, Borough got on the front foot from the off. A last-ditch intervention from Will Greenidge denied Pavey after good work from Michael Klass, before the hosts had a great chance after 12 minutes.
Brad Barry clipped the ball forwards and George Alexander broke through down the right. He slid it across to Pavey, but his first time shot went over the bar from twelve yards.
Brayden Johnson then kept the ball alive on the left hand side and pulled it back to Courtney Clarke, but his effort went just over the bar before Matt Terry was alert to turn Pavey’s goalbound effort over the bar after he latched onto Dom Odusanya’s ball through.
Pierce Bird whipped in a corner and picked out Klass, but he could only head over from six yards before Kai Innocent’s low ball into the area was scrambled away by the visitors – but only after Pavey, Johnson and Klass all having shots blocked.
However, completely against the run of play it was Hornchurch who went in front. Liam Nash slipped the ball through to Hearn, who drove at the Borough defence before finding room to fire a shot low into the bottom corner from just inside the area.
But the Sports got back on level terms just five minutes later. Klass did well to find space on the right hand side, and he fired the ball low across goal and despite Innocent not being able to get on the end of it, Pavey was on hand at the far post to convert from close range.
Things remained the same as the second half got underway, with Borough continuing to push forwards but without reward.
Skipper Barry went close to a rare goal himself on the hour mark, linking up with Clarke to find a yard of room inside the area but he flashed the ball just wide of the far post.
The Sports had an even better chance to go in front on 74 minutes. Barry pumped a low ball forwards and Pavey got on the end of it, but Terry was off his line well to save at the forward’s feet. The loose ball fell to Alexander, who looked set to score but Harry Gibbs was on the line to clear his shot with the goal gaping.
A superb stop from Terry then denied Borough moments later. Substitute Jayden Davis fired the ball in from the right and Alexander looked set to score as he flicked it on inside the six yard box, but the away keeper produced a great save.
It was a frustrating afternoon for the Sports, who had to be alert at the other end as Joe Wright was called into action for the first time on 82 minutes – saving well from Nash at his near post.
And their grievance in front of goal was summed up in stoppage time. Bird whipped in a corner and it dropped to Pavey inside the area. His shot was blocked, and with the ball ricocheting around it fell to Alexander, who turned the ball goalwards. Despite appeals it had crossed the line, the linesman said no and the Sports’ celebrations were cut short.
Another point on the board – and the home unbeaten record continues – but the Sports will feel it should have been more.
Reach TV Stadium Priory Lane Eastbourne East Sussex BN23 7QH
As the EFL season nears its conclusion, three of West Ham United’s young loanees were involved in a busy weekend throughout the English football pyramid and abroad...
Having secured their EFL Championship status the previous weekend with victory over Watford, Freddie Potts’ Portsmouth played out a largely uneventful 1-1 draw away at Sheffield Wednesday.
While Pompey’s home form has been the cornerstone of their survival this season, the result marked back-to-back unbeaten away matches for the first time in 2024/25. Potts made his 34th start of the campaign, as Harvey Blair’s first senior goal for the club cancelled out Callum Paterson’s early opener for the Owls.
Staying in the Championship, George Earthy’s Bristol City are in action on Monday evening, travelling to face already-promoted Leeds United at Elland Road. Victory for Leeds would see them move top heading into the final round of fixtures, while Bristol City know that three points would guarantee them a Play-Off spot for the first time since 2008.
Anything less than a win could leave the Robins vulnerable to being overtaken by Coventry City, Millwall, Blackburn Rovers, and even Michael Carrick's Middlesbrough if Bristol City lose both of their remaining games.
In the National League South, goalkeeper Mason Terry kept his third consecutive clean sheet as Hornchurch recorded a third straight league win for the first time this season as the regular campaign came to an end. His fifth clean sheet in his last seven outings earned him a spot in the Vanarama National League South team of the week.
A 4-0 victory away at Chippenham Town moved the Urchins up to ninth
their highest position since being promoted to the sixth tier
Terry finishes an excellent campaign with a clean sheet tally of 17 from 53 appearances in all competitions
Mohammadou Kanté featured as a late substitute as Paris FC earned a 1-1 draw away at Rodez
The point edges Paris FC closer to automatic promotion
with the Parisian side now needing just one win from their final two matches to secure a return to France’s top flight for the first time since 1979
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Tonbridge Angels supporters that had made the journey to Hornchurch were left frustrated as referee Ayrton Hursey brought a halt to proceedings after 37 minutes with player welfare being the prime consideration as the pitch condition worsened following incessant heavy rain
who along with his counterpart Daryl McMahon had been consulted
was in agreement with the decision: “Once you entered the field of play you can understand why the game was abandoned
There were a few doubts when we first got here because of a heavy downpour but then it eased off
We wanted to carry on because we were playing quite well given the conditions
But when you went onto the pitch you understood just how bad it was with players struggling to keep their footing.”
There was a surprise inclusion for assistant manager Tommy Parkinson on the bench
An early chance fell to Shields who drove a shot into the side netting before Hornchurch opened the scoring with a fine strike from Ollie Muldoon into the top corner from 25 yards that gave Matt Rowley no chance
The goal served as an added impetus to the Angels and they quickly gained control of the game moving the ball well on the sodden surface.
After 23 minutes, the Angels got a well-deserved equaliser. A right-sided corner was headed on by Jamie Fielding and as a headed challenge was made
the ball dropped to Bakrin who struck cleanly into the centre of the goal.
The visitors were firmly in the ascendancy when the referee firstly spoke with both captains before going to the dugouts to inform the respective managers
Jay said of the 37 minutes of play: “I was pleased
disappointed that it was called off but it is what it is.”
Published Wednesday 1st January 2025 (last updated Thursday 2nd January 2025)
Hornchurch took the honours in this mid-table encounter and moved themselves into a top 10 position in National League South
After early half-chances fell the way of the hosts with Fielding heading over after two minutes and Shields seeing a shot blocked, Hornchurch took the lead on 16 minutes when a through ball from Charlie Pegrum saw Darren McQueen break clear
to round goalkeeper Matt Rowley before despatching his shot past a retreating defender
The Angels response was limited to efforts from distance from Christie Ward, Jack Wood and Shields with a tight offside decision going against Wood as he found the net on 41 minutes that saw the Essex side reached the break with their lead intact
Tonbridge dominated the second half, but the visitors continually found a last ditch challenge or good saves from Mason Terry, who denied Jack Wood on 53 minutes following a wicked deflection
In turn, on 65 minutes, Pegrum brought a good save from Rowley and a stabbed shot from the resultant corner was cleared from the line by Ronny Nelson
The introduction of Liam Vincent, Harry Ottaway and Mikey Berry injected new life into the home side with Shields seeing successive efforts deflected wide or saved by Terry
Hornchurch had chances through Makai Welch and Pegrum but
it was the resilience of the Hornchurch defence that won the day
Scott Wagstaff summed up
post-match: “It summed up our season
We’ve dominated the game in the first half
switched off for one moment and they score on the counter attack for which we knew they were dangerous
It was frustrating because we started the game really well
we have just lacked that little something that has stopped us getting over the line and we can’t put all the pressure on the strikers
there has been a lot of chopping and changing which hasn’t helped.”