Hornchurch and Romford hope for action

Saturday

Ryman Premier Division

Hornchurch v Lewes

It’s three weeks since Urchins last saw any action, when Lewis Smith’s injury-time goal sealed a 1-0 win over East Thurrock.

Games against Hastings and Carshalton fell victim to frozen pitches during the cold snap and, after the big thaw, a midweek home meeting with Margate was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Urchins now trail leaders Billericay by five points, with two games in hand, and manager Jimmy McFarlane will be without suspended trio Smith, Reiss Noel and Frankie Curley for the visit of Lewes.

Top scorer Martin Tuohy returns from a three-game ban and scored twice in a 4-0 win at the Dripping Pan in late October, with Smith and Jonathan Hunt also on target.

McFarlane said: “It’s not about revenge. They’re a good side with good players and any team playing against a top-three team will raise their game, which makes it even harder for us.”

Ryman Division 1N

Romford v Potters Bar

Boro have also been left kicking their heels for the past three weekends, since their controversial 1-0 defeat at Ware.

Games against Maldon, Ilford and Brentwood all fell victim to the wintry weather to leave boss Paul Martin frustrated.

Romford have taken just four points from a possible 18 since the turn of the year and lie 11 points off the play-off places.

Martin said: “Both teams, after the break, will be bang at it and it will be down to the referee to control the game.

“It’s going to come down to who has got the most hunger.”

Boro are due to visit Ilford on Wednesday, the 20th anniversary of the 1992 meeting at Romford Ice Rink which led to the reformation of the club after a 14-year hiatus.