Hornchurch and Romford let leads slip

Hornchurch and Romford both suffered defeats on the first day of the new non-league season.

Urchins opened their Conference South campaign with a long trip to Salisbury City and took the lead on the stroke of half-time when Frankie Curley’s through ball set up Martin Tuohy, who steered his shot home.

Tuohy had topped the Hornchurch scoring charts with 31 goals last season and went close to his second after the break, firing just over the crossbar.

Salisbury levelled midway through the second half when Jamie White forced the ball home, after Joe Woolley had denied Daniel Fitchett.

And the home side sealed a 2-1 win when an unmarked Ryan Brett fired home seven minutes from time.

Boro, meanwhile, began the new Ryman Division One North season with a home match against rivals Redbridge at their new Ship Lane base.

And they got their noses in front when captain Jack Barry rose highest to head home from Bobby Port’s free-kick in the first half.

But Motormen got back on terms after the break thanks to Muwanga, who fired low past Michael Gooch to level.

And after Gooch collided with a post and had to be replaced, Elliott Anderson was beaten four minutes from time as Muwanga struck for a second time.

Debutant Billy Radley hit the crossbar with a late header as Boro pushed forward in search of an equaliser.

Hornchurch host Boreham Wood at Bridge Avenue tomorrow night, while Romford visit Thamesmead.