Michael Spencer netted for Hornchurch at Eastbourne (Gavin Ellis/TGS)

Eastbourne 1 Hornchurch 1

Michael Spencer’s header midway through the second half earned Hornchurch a Conference South point on the south coast.

But the visitors were left feeling they could have had more after a frustrating afternoon.

Lewis Smith forced an early save from Ross Worner, who also kept out Reiss Noel’s header from an Andy Tomlinson free-kick.

Ollie Rowe headed over for the hosts before Tambeson Eyong’s strong run set up Smith for another attempt, which was saved by Worner.

And Smith saw another effort kept out by the home keeper before Eastbourne took a controversial lead.

Chris Shephard went down under Tomlinson’s challenge in the box and the referee pointed to the spot, allowing Elliott Charles to beat Joe Woolley from 12 yards.

Worner thwarted Spencer before the break, but Urchins kept battling after the restart.

Martin Tuohy tested Worner from Tomlinson’s cross before Frankie Curley’s long pass was converted by Spencer to level things up.

And the visitors almost took the lead when Smith raced from his own half but saw his shot skim the crossbar.

And substitute Leon McKenzie lobbed Warner, from Spencer’s pass, but saw the ball drop over the crossbar as honours finished even.

Urchins return to action with a home game against Sutton at Bridge Avenue on Saturday.

*Romford saw their Ryman One North derby with Aveley fall victim to a waterlogged pitch.

The two sides were due to meet at Mill Field on Friday night, but the pitch failed an inspection in the afternoon and was deemed not fit enough for the following day either.

Boro, looking for a third successive win, are due to make the long trip to Wroxham tomorrow (Tuesyda).