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 It looks like you haven't added any items to your cart yet The Halcyon Wealth Longmead Stadium, Darenth Avenue, Tonbridge, Kent TN10 3JFTonbridge Angels Football Club Limited is a Community Benefit Society, operating under the Co-Operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014.Registered number IPO 32445. | Privacy Notice Looking for the old website? Click here This site is pProvided by Football Web PagesYou can dDownload our app for iOS or Android right now Company Number 8718734 | Privacy Policy | Registered in England© Football Web Pages Ltd 2025 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 Site designed & built by Other Media, powered by Clubcast 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.”