Martin Tuohy celebrates one of his goals for Hornchurch against Colchester (Rob Newell/TGS)

Hornchurch 4 Colchester 3

A hat-trick from Martin Tuohy helped Hornchurch to victory over League One Colchester and into the Essex Senior Cup semi-finals at Bridge Avenue last night.

Tuohy was restored to the starting line-up, having been restricted to a substitute’s role in recent weeks, and repaid that faith as he took his tally for the season to eight goals.

But Colchester started the better of the two sides, in a repeat of the 2010 final, and Urchins were lucky not to fall behind after some poor defending in their own penalty area.

Once settled, Urchins created a couple of chances with captain Elliot Styles firing over and having a shot saved by Carl Pentney.

And Hornchurch took the lead in the 15th minute after Lewis Smith crossed low and Tuohy slotted the ball home from close range.

But their joy was shortlived as Colchester equalised soon after through Alex Gilbey, who tapped the ball past Joe Woolley from six yards.

The game remained pretty even, but Urchins were given the chance to regain the lead in 39th minute when they were awarded a penalty for a foul on Smith.

Tuohy stepped up and saw his spot-kick saved, but he was able to get to the rebound and put it past the Colchester keeper.

Freddie Ladapo got the visitors back on terms in the 65th minute, poking into the corner of Woolley’s net after good work on the left by former Orient youngster George Porter.

But within a minute Hornchurch were back in front, as Andy Tomlinson – sent off when the two sides met in a previous tie at Colchester’s Weston Homes Community Stadium – fired into the far corner.

Urchins extended their lead in the 79th minute, as Tuohy scored an outstanding solo effort to complete his treble.

But Colchester hit back with five minutes left thanks to an own goal from Reiss Noel, who mistimed his clearance and saw the ball bobble past Woolley.

It came too late to deny Hornchurch a well deserved victory and place in the last four, but their success was somewhat overshadowed by an injury to Styles, who was stretched off and taken to hospital with a suspected broken collarbone.

Manager Jimmy McFarlane said: “I’m pleased. It makes a change to have a smile on my face!

“They are all full-time professionals and we more than held our own.

“Martin is one of the most prolific marksmen in this area.”

Hornchurch: Woolley, Eyong, Bentley, Styles (Glover 70), Fletcher, Noel, May (Love 81), Curley, Tuohy, Smith (Gray 84), Tomlinson.

*Grays came from a goal behind to beat Essex Senior League side Barking at Mayesbrook Park.

Nathan Philip headed the hosts in front from Theo Ola’s free-kick after only eight minutes and they held onto their lead until the 80th minute, when substitute Danny Bunce got Grays back on terms.

Bunce then sent a looping header over Christian Buffour to win it for the visitors three minutes later.

Concord beat Chelmsford on penalties, after a six-goal thriller.

Jason Hallett put them ahead, before Dave Rainford levelled from a free-kick and Ishmael Welsh headed Chelmsford in front.

Hallett restored parity in the second half and a Tony Stokes header put Concord 3-2 up with nine minutes left.

But Aiden Palmer levelled for the Clarets to force a shoot-out, which Concord won 6-5.

The draw for the semi-final is on Friday at 4.30pm.